Application of a semi-Hertzian method to the simulation of vehicles in high-speed switches

• Published in: Vehicle System Dynamics 2006-01, Vol.44 (sup1), p.341-348
• Main Authors: Sebes, M., Ayasse, J. B., Chollet, H., Pouligny, P., Pirat, B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Machine components; Mechanical contact (friction...); Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Multi-body simulations; Physics; Solid mechanics; Springs and dampers; Structural and continuum mechanics; Turnouts; Wheel-rail contact forces
• ISSN: 0042-3114; 1744-5159
• DOI: 10.1080/00423110600871533

In most railway dynamics problems, rails profiles may be assumed to be the same along the track. This is no longer the case as far as turnouts are concerned. Moveable frogs are turnout devices used for high speed, as they maintain a continuous running surface. The study of the dynamics of a vehicle passing on a moveable frog is addressed. The wheel-rail contact problem is solved by the semi-Hertzian method, which enables the derivation of more arbitrarily shaped contact patches than the elliptic ones supplied by the Hertzian theory. This method is briefly described. The changing rail profile is taken into account via an interpolation process function of the distance. In practice, the handling of varying rail profiles consists of adding a dimension to contact tables. Guidelines for meshing are given. A case study is conducted. The benefit of the method is demonstrated as soon as it is required to compute stresses accurately.