Numerical simulation-based ride comfort analysis of the high-speed train using multibody dynamics

High-speed railway is emerging as one of India's vital infrastructure projects. The level of operational safety and comfort are crucial aspects for a passenger. Random track imperfections may lead high-speed trains (HSRV) to react unacceptably, jeopardising operational safety and comfort. This paper attempts to numerically solve the ride comfort problem through the concepts of multibody dynamics under power spectral density (PSD)-based track irregularity, modelled, and simulated in SIMPACK software. A 50 degree of freedom HSRV model has been developed in SIMPACK. The full car model consists of one LBH coach, two FIAT bogies and four wheelsets. Measured track irregularity data of high-speed China Railway Comprehension Inspection Train (CRCIT) has been used. Modelling of nonlinear primary and secondary dampers is also incorporated to make HSRV more practical. This work includes acceleration response in the time and frequency domains. Additionally, an investigation on the effect of velocity and suspension parameters on the ride index is carried out.