Search results

1 – 10 of 430
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Yangsheng Ye, Degou Cai, Qianli Zhang, Shaowei Wei, Hongye Yan and Lin Geng

This method will become a new development trend in subgrade structure design for high speed railways.

Abstract

Purpose

This method will become a new development trend in subgrade structure design for high speed railways.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the structural types and design methods of subgrade bed for high speed railways in China, Japan, France, Germany, the United States and other countries based on the study and analysis of existing literature and combined with the research results and practices of high speed railway subgrade engineering at home and abroad.

Findings

It is found that in foreign countries, the layered reinforced structure is generally adopted for the subgrade bed of high speed railways, and the unified double-layer or multi-layer structure is adopted for the surface layer of subgrade bed, while the simple structure is adopted in China; in foreign countries, different inspection parameters are adopted to evaluate the compaction state of fillers according to their respective understanding and practice, while in China, compaction coefficient, subsoil coefficient and dynamic deformation modulus are adopted for such evaluation; in foreign countries, the subgrade top deformation control method, the subgrade bottom deformation control method, the subsurface fill strength control method are mainly adopted in subgrade bed structure design of high speed railways, while in China, dynamic deformation control of subgrade surface and dynamic strain control of subgrade bed bottom layer is adopted in the design. However, the cumulative deformation of subgrade caused by train cyclic vibration load is not considered in the existing design methods.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a new subgrade structure design method based on whole-process dynamics analysis that meets subgrade functional requirements and is established on the basis of the existing research at home and abroad on prediction methods for cumulative deformation of subgrade soil.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Chongyi Chang, Gang Guo, Wen He and Zhendong Liu

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of longitudinal forces on extreme-long heavy-haul trains, providing new insights and methods for their design and…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of longitudinal forces on extreme-long heavy-haul trains, providing new insights and methods for their design and operation, thereby enhancing safety, operational efficiency and track system design.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal dynamics simulation model of the super long heavy haul train was established and verified by the braking test data of 30,000 t heavy-haul combination train on the long and steep down grade of Daqing Line. The simulation model was used to analyze the influence of factors on the longitudinal force of super long heavy haul train.

Findings

Under normal conditions, the formation length of extreme-long heavy-haul combined train has a small effect on the maximum longitudinal coupler force under full service braking and emergency braking on the straight line. The slope difference of the long and steep down grade has a great impact on the maximum longitudinal coupler force of the extreme-long heavy-haul trains. Under the condition that the longitudinal force does not exceed the safety limit of 2,250 kN under full service braking at the speed of 60 km/h the maximum allowable slope difference of long and steep down grade for 40,000 t super long heavy-haul combined trains is 13‰, and that of 100,000 t is only 5‰.

Originality/value

The results will provide important theoretical basis and practical guidance for further improving the transportation efficiency and safety of extreme-long heavy-haul trains.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 March 2024

Di Cheng, Yuqing Wen, Zhiqiang Guo, Xiaoyi Hu, Pengsong Wang and Zhikun Song

This paper aims to obtain the evolution law of dynamic performance of CR400BF electric multiple unit (EMU).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to obtain the evolution law of dynamic performance of CR400BF electric multiple unit (EMU).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the dynamic simulation based on field test, stiffness of rotary arm nodes and damping coefficient of anti-hunting dampers were tested. Stiffness, damping coefficient, friction coefficient, track gauge were taken as random variables, the stochastic dynamics simulation method was constructed and applied to research the evolution law with running mileage of dynamic index of CR400BF EMU.

Findings

The results showed that stiffness and damping coefficient subjected to normal distribution, the mean and variance were computed and the evolution law of stiffness and damping coefficient with running mileage was obtained.

Originality/value

Firstly, based on the field test we found that stiffness of rotary arm nodes and damping coefficient of anti-hunting dampers subjected to normal distribution, and the evolution law of stiffness and damping coefficient with running mileage was proposed. Secondly stiffness, damping coefficient, friction coefficient, track gauge were taken as random variables, the stochastic dynamics simulation method was constructed and applied to the research to the evolution law with running mileage of dynamic index of CR400BF EMU.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 April 2024

Weihua Zhang, Yuanchen Zeng, Dongli Song and Zhiwei Wang

The safety and reliability of high-speed trains rely on the structural integrity of their components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system. This paper aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

The safety and reliability of high-speed trains rely on the structural integrity of their components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system. This paper aims to define and substantiate the assessment of the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains in both theory and practice. The key principles and approaches will be proposed, and their applications to high-speed trains in China will be presented.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains are defined, and their relationship is introduced. Then, the principles for assessing the structural integrity of structural and dynamical components are presented and practical examples of gearboxes and dampers are provided. Finally, the principles and approaches for assessing the dynamical integrity of high-speed trains are presented and a novel operational assessment method is further presented.

Findings

Vehicle system dynamics is the core of the proposed framework that provides the loads and vibrations on train components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system. For assessing the structural integrity of structural components, an open-loop analysis considering both normal and abnormal vehicle conditions is needed. For assessing the structural integrity of dynamical components, a closed-loop analysis involving the influence of wear and degradation on vehicle system dynamics is needed. The analysis of vehicle system dynamics should follow the principles of complete objects, conditions and indices. Numerical, experimental and operational approaches should be combined to achieve effective assessments.

Originality/value

The practical applications demonstrate that assessing the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains can support better control of critical defects, better lifespan management of train components and better maintenance decision-making for high-speed trains.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Hongkun Wang, Yongxiang Zhao, Yayun Qi and Yufeng Cao

The serious wear problem of heavy-haul freight vehicle wheels affects the safety and economy of vehicle operation. This paper aims to study wheel wear evolution law and the…

Abstract

Purpose

The serious wear problem of heavy-haul freight vehicle wheels affects the safety and economy of vehicle operation. This paper aims to study wheel wear evolution law and the influence of line parameters on wheel wear of heavy-haul freight, and provide the basis for operation and line maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

The wheel wear test data of heavy-haul freight vehicles were analyzed. Then a heavy-haul freight vehicle dynamic model was established. The line parameters influencing wheel wear in heavy-haul freight vehicles were also analyzed by the Jendel wear model, and the effects of rail cant, rail gauge, rail profile and line ramp on wheel wear were analyzed.

Findings

A rail cant of 1:40 results in less wheel wear; an increase in the rail gauge can reduce wheel wear; and when matched with the CHN60 rail, the wear depth is relatively small. A decrease of 9.21% in wheel wear depth when matched with the CHN60 rail profile. The ramp of the heavy-haul line is necessary to consider for calculating wheel wear. When the ramp is considered, the wear depth increases by 8.47%. The larger the ramp, the greater the braking force and therefore, the greater of the wheel wear.

Originality/value

This paper first summarizes the wear characteristics of wheels in heavy-haul freight vehicles and then systematically analyzes the effect of line parameters on wheel wear. In particular, this study researched the effects of rail cant, rail gauge, rail profile and line ramp on wheel wear.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0038/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 76 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Xiaodi Xu, Shanchao Sun, Yang Fei, Liubin Niu, Xinyu Tian, Zaitian Ke, Peng Dai and Zhiming Liang

This article aims to predict the rapid track geometry change in the short term with a higher detection frequency, and realize the monitoring and maintenance of the railway state.

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to predict the rapid track geometry change in the short term with a higher detection frequency, and realize the monitoring and maintenance of the railway state.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the ABA data needs to be filtered to remove the DC component to reduce the drift due to integration. Secondly, the quadratic integration in frequency domain for concern components of the vertical and lateral ABA needs to be done. Thirdly, the displacement in lateral of the wheelset to rail needs to be calculated. Then the track alignment irregularity needs to be calculated by the integration of lateral ABA and the lateral displacement of the wheelset to rail.

Findings

By comparing with a commercial track geometry measurement system, the high-speed railway application results in different conditions, after removal of the influence of LDWR, identified that the proposed method can produce a satisfactory result.

Originality/value

This article helps realize detection of track irregularity on operating vehicle, reduce equipment production, installation and maintenance costs and improve detection density.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2023

Hongxiao Li and Li Li

The purpose of this study is to match appropriate friction coefficients for subway operational vehicles, considering the dynamic variations of wheel profile wear.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to match appropriate friction coefficients for subway operational vehicles, considering the dynamic variations of wheel profile wear.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines experimental testing and numerical simulation to investigate the influence of wheel profile wear coupled with the friction coefficient on the vehicle dynamic response.

Findings

For the test route in this paper, it is recommended to control the friction coefficient on straight sections between 0.25 and 0.3, and on curved sections between 0.2 and 0.3. This satisfies the required adhesion coefficient for normal train traction and braking, while also ensuring the straight running performance and curve negotiation performance of the vehicle.

Practical implications

Reasonable friction coefficient ranges are proposed for straight and curved track lines to improve the operational safety and economy of the vehicles. Moreover, this study can provide a theoretical basis and reference direction for developing anti-wear measures for rail vehicles operating on fixed routes.

Originality/value

Considering the wear characteristics of operating vehicles and the dynamic changes in the wear profile, this paper explores the adaptability of different degrees of wheel wear profiles to different friction coefficients. Based on the response characteristics of vehicle dynamics, reasonable lubrication recommendations are proposed for this operating vehicle.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 75 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Hongping Xing, Yu Liu and Xiaodan Sun

The smoothness of the high-speed railway (HSR) on the bridge may exceed the allowable standard when an earthquake causes vibrations for HSR bridges, which may threaten the safety…

Abstract

Purpose

The smoothness of the high-speed railway (HSR) on the bridge may exceed the allowable standard when an earthquake causes vibrations for HSR bridges, which may threaten the safety of running trains. Indeed, few studies have evaluated the exceeding probability of rail displacement exceeding the allowable standard. The purposes of this article are to provide a method for investigating the exceeding probability of the rail displacement of HSRs under seismic excitation and to calculate the exceeding probability.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to investigate the exceeding probability of the rail displacement under different seismic excitations, the workflow of analyzing the smoothness of the rail based on incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is proposed, and the intensity measure and limit state for the exceeding probability analysis of HSRs are defined. Then a finite element model (FEM) of an assumed HSR track-bridge system is constructed, which comprises a five-span simply-supported girder bridge supporting a finite length CRTS II ballastless track. Under different seismic excitations, the seismic displacement response of the rail is calculated; the character of the rail displacement is analyzed; and the exceeding probability of the rail vertical displacement exceeding the allowable standard (2mm) is investigated.

Findings

The results show that: (1) The bridge-abutment joint position may form a step-like under seismic excitation, threatening the running safety of high-speed trains under seismic excitations, and the rail displacements at mid-span positions are bigger than that at other positions on the bridge. (2) The exceeding probability of rail displacement is up to about 44% when PGA = 0.01g, which is the level-five risk probability and can be described as 'very likely to happen'. (3) The exceeding probability of the rail at the mid-span positions is bigger than that above other positions of the bridge, and the mid-span positions of the track-bridge system above the bridge may be the most hazardous area for the running safety of trains under seismic excitation when high-speed trains run on bridges.

Originality/value

The work extends the seismic hazardous analysis of HSRs and would lead to a better understanding of the exceeding probability for the rail of HSRs under seismic excitations and better references for the alert of the HSR operation.

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

Lucas Silva and Alfredo Gay Neto

When establishing a mathematical model to simulate solid mechanics, considering realistic geometries, special tools are needed to translate measured data, possibly with noise…

Abstract

Purpose

When establishing a mathematical model to simulate solid mechanics, considering realistic geometries, special tools are needed to translate measured data, possibly with noise, into idealized geometrical entities. As an engineering application, wheel-rail contact interactions are fundamental in the dynamic modeling of railway vehicles. Many approaches used to solve the contact problem require a continuous parametric description of the geometries involved. However, measured wheel and rail profiles are often available as sets of discrete points. A reconstruction method is needed to transform discrete data into a continuous geometry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present an approximation method based on optimization to solve the problem of fitting a set of points with an arc spline. It consists of an initial guess based on a curvature function estimated from the data, followed by a least-squares optimization to improve the approximation. The authors also present a segmentation scheme that allows the method to increment the number of segments of the spline, trying to keep it at a minimal value, to satisfy a given error tolerance.

Findings

The paper provides a better understanding of arc splines and how they can be deformed. Examples with parametric curves and slightly noisy data from realistic wheel and rail profiles show that the approach is successful.

Originality/value

The developed methods have theoretical value. Furthermore, they have practical value since the approximation approach is better suited to deal with the reconstruction of wheel/rail profiles than interpolation, which most methods use to some degree.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Di Kang, Steven W. Kirkpatrick, Zhipeng Zhang, Xiang Liu and Zheyong Bian

Accurately estimating the severity of derailment is a crucial step in quantifying train derailment consequences and, thereby, mitigating its impacts. The purpose of this paper is…

Abstract

Purpose

Accurately estimating the severity of derailment is a crucial step in quantifying train derailment consequences and, thereby, mitigating its impacts. The purpose of this paper is to propose a simplified approach aimed at addressing this research gap by developing a physics-informed 1-D model. The model is used to simulate train dynamics through a time-stepping algorithm, incorporating derailment data after the point of derailment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a simplified approach is adopted that applies a 1-D kinematic analysis with data obtained from various derailments. These include the length and weight of the rail cars behind the point of derailment, the train braking effects, derailment blockage forces, the grade of the track and the train rolling and aerodynamic resistance. Since train braking/blockage effects and derailment blockage forces are not always available for historical or potential train derailment, it is also necessary to fit the historical data and find optimal parameters to estimate these two variables. Using these fitted parameters, a detailed comparison can be performed between the physics-informed 1-D model and previous statistical models to predict the derailment severity.

Findings

The results show that the proposed model outperforms the Truncated Geometric model (the latest statistical model used in prior research) in estimating derailment severity. The proposed model contributes to the understanding and prevention of train derailments and hazmat release consequences, offering improved accuracy for certain scenarios and train types

Originality/value

This paper presents a simplified physics-informed 1-D model, which could help understand the derailment mechanism and, thus, is expected to estimate train derailment severity more accurately for certain scenarios and train types compared with the latest statistical model. The performance of the braking response and the 1-D model is verified by comparing known ride-down profiles with estimated ones. This validation process ensures that both the braking response and the 1-D model accurately represent the expected behavior.

Details

Smart and Resilient Transportation, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-0487

Keywords

1 – 10 of 430