Dynamic interaction of the monorail–bridge system using a combined finite element multibody-based model

Abstract

To assess the dynamic behavior of monorail-bridge system, an innovative model of train-guideway interaction has been developed based on multibody dynamics and finite element simulation. A finite element model of guideway structure for a particular monorail system is built up using parametric design language, considering a specific length of straddle monorail line in three dimensions. Both straight and curved track geometries are modeled to simulate the actual bridge infrastructure. Flexible elements are adopted for the guideway beams consisting of reinforced concrete profiles to increase the accuracy of the numerical simulations in a more realistic way. The bridge model indeed, is simulated using a beam-frame structure of composite steel-concrete material. A multibody simulation of monorail vehicle is then introduced using the commercial multibody software MSC Adams. The three-dimensional multibody model of the monorail vehicle together with the bridge subassemblies is eventually implemented in multibody environment. The entire dynamic model of the vehicle-track system consists of all flexible and rigid body elements. Dynamic responses of the vehicle and bridge system are then extracted for different loading conditions. The proposed numerical model is validated using some dynamic simulation results of the system from the vehicle manufacturer in the selected case study. The model is further verified against several analytical and measurement results reported in the literature both for straight and curved track configurations. The result of dynamic simulations gives an overview about the dynamic forces and reactions that can appear in bridge structure due to the train movement.

Dynamics of the Monorail Train Subjected to the Braking on a Straight Guideway Bridge

“…According to the general specifications of the train system and the bridge structure in Qom monorail project, the coupled model is fabricated in the MBD environment. The detailed procedure can be found in [12].…”

“…6 illustrates the FE model of the monorail bridge in this research. The final dynamic model of the vehicle-bridge system is built in the MBD tool using the coupling procedure presented in [12].…”

“…In a recent study, Naeimi, et al [12] investigated the dynamic interaction of the monorail-bridge system by combining the finite element method and multibody analysis. This work presented an innovative numerical model for the train-guideway interaction problem, considering a typical monorail train and a limited length of the monorail bridge.…”

“…In the present research, however, the longitudinal forces between the train tires and guideway beams are introduced in the dynamic analysis. The present study utilizes the same numerical procedure of [12] for dynamic simulation of the monorail train-bridge system, while the guideway structure is considered to be straight and the braking forces are taken into account.…”

Dynamic Response Analysis of the Straddle-Type Monorail Bridge–Vehicle Coupling System

“…The mechanism of this monorail transportation system should be explored in depth; however, the publications of studies on the monorail transportation system are scarce. Lee [1], Kim [2,3] and Naeimi et al [4] investigated the dynamic responses of the straddle monorail train and the degree of riding comfort based on the multi-rigid-body principle, respectively. Trahair [5] proposed a calculation method which takes the beneficial lateral load into account in the analysis of the lateral buckling of the monorail steel beam.…”