Dynamic Response of the Coupled Vehicle-Floating Slab Track System using Finite Element Method

In present study, a mathematical model of the vehicle–floating slab track (FST) interaction is established to investigate the coupled behaviour of vehicle–track system. The FST is modelled as the double Euler -Bernoulli beam including the rail and slab. The railway vehicle is simplified as a multi-rigid-body model. The wheel–rail interface is treated using a nonlinear Hertzian contact model, coupling the mathematical equations of the vehicle–FST systems. The dynamic interaction of the entire system is numerically studied in time domain, employing Newmark’s integration method. The numerical model of the present research is validated using benchmark model reported in the literature. Finally using the developed numerical tool many sensitivity analyses were performed on various important parameters affecting on dynamic behaviour of slab track, such as slab thickness, axle load and the track bed stiffness and consequently the deflection and bending moment of rail and slab were assessed. Slab thickness has more effect on slab than rail dynamic behaviour.