Analysis of influence factors of rail corrugation in small radius curve track

Abstract

Abstract. In order to effectively prevent and control the generation and development of rail corrugation, according to the actual line condition of the small radius curve section, the vehicle (with flexible wheel sets)–track space coupled model was established by using the multi-body dynamic software UM (Universal Mechanism), which could consider the coupled relationship in three directions of space, and the dynamic analysis for the corrugation section was carried out by using the model. Then, based on the theory of friction self-excited vibration, the three-dimensional model of a wheel–rail system was established by using the finite-element software ABAQUS, and the complex eigenvalue analysis of influence factors of rail corrugation was conducted based on wheel–rail contact parameters obtained by dynamic calculation. Through the stability analysis of the wheel–rail system with different fastener vertical and lateral stiffnesses, friction coefficients, and superelevation states, we find that properly increasing the fastener vertical and lateral stiffnesses, controlling the wheel–rail friction coefficient below 0.4, and keeping the balanced superelevation state of the track structure can effectively reduce the occurrence possibility of unstable vibration of the wheel–rail system, thus inhibiting the generation and development of rail corrugation. The excess superelevation state of the track structure results in the unstable friction self-excited vibration of the wheel–rail system at the inner wheel–inner rail, while the deficient superelevation state results in the unstable friction self-excited vibration of the wheel–rail system at the outer wheel–outer rail, which shows that the superelevation state of the track structure directly affects the formation of rail corrugation and determines the development order of corrugation of inner and outer rails. This conclusion can well explain the cause of corrugation appearing on only one side rail.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Railways: Systematic Review of Research Progress

“…Well-maintained tracks reduce friction and allow smoother operation, which in turn reduces energy consumption. Similarly, regular maintenance of trains, including component cleaning and lubrication, ensures they operate efficiently, avoiding energy waste and unnecessary emissions [54][55][56][57].…”

Concise Historic Overview of Rail Corrugation Studies: From Formation Mechanisms to Detection Methods

“…Wang and Lei [22] also studied the stick-slip characteristics of wheel-rail contact under different super, standard, and high conditions and found that both the inner and outer wheel-rail systems had the possibility of a stick-slip movement on the small-radius curve of the subway, and the inner wheel-rail system was more likely to cause the formation of rail corrugation. In terms of other research methods, Wang and Lei [21] used the three-dimensional finite-element model of a wheel-rail system to carry out the complex eigenvalue analysis of influence factors for corrugation. In this study, it is found that in order to increase the stability of the wheel-rail system and suppress its unstable vibration, it is necessary to maintain the balanced superelevation of the track structure, which can play a critical role in suppressing the corrugation of the rail.…”

“…A spring-damping element is used to simulate the fastener to realize the connection between the rail and the slab. In terms of other research methods, Wang and Lei [21] used the three-dimensional finite-element model of a wheel-rail system to carry out the complex eigenvalue analysis of influence factors for corrugation. In this study, it is found that in order to increase the stability of the wheel-rail system and suppress its unstable vibration, it is necessary to maintain the balanced superelevation of the track structure, which can play a critical role in suppressing the corrugation of the rail.…”

“…Wang and Lei [21,26] used the three-dimensional finite-element model of a wheel-rail system to conduct the complex eigenvalue analysis on the influencing factors of rail corrugations. The stability of the wheel-rail system with different vertical and lateral stiffnesses of fasteners, different friction coefficients, and different track-structure superelevation was analyzed.…”

Sensitivity Analysis for Influence Parameters of Rail Corrugation Characteristics in Metro Straight Section

“…The fastener spacing is 0.6 m and the wheel-rail coefficient of friction is 0.35. The vertical force F v of axle box is calculated by the dynamics software UM (Universal Mechanism) [20]. Firstly, the vehicle-track coupling model is constructed according to the actual line situation, and then the vertical force of axle box when the vehicle passes through the target line section is obtained through simulation, and its value is 69 000 N. The wheel-rail longitudinal relative slip is set as 65.42 mm [21].…”