Dynamic train wheel forces: numerical parameter study

Dynamic train wheel forces cause several problems like mechanical wear of the track, environmental vibration, etc. The presented study aims at determination of factors that influence it. The purpose is to quantify influence of investigated factors and consequently to develop a basis for dynamic force mitigation strategies. The investigated factors were rail roughness, wheel roughness, train velocity, stiffness of track superstructure and subgrade, dynamic train properties. Random variable distributions were assigned to these factors and random samples were created using Latin Hypercube Sampling technique. Dynamic wheel forces were calculated using transient dynamic analysis for all created samples. Evaluation of the simulations showed that all parameters have distinct influence on dynamic wheel forces. Regression models were fitted to the simulation outputs for ability of prediction. Models were created for max. and RMS-values of wheel force and wheel acceleration, as well as for force and acceleration in particular bands of third-band spectra.