A discrete-continuous track-model for wheelsets rolling over short wavelength sinusoidal rail irregularities

Abstract

SUMMARYA semi-analytical method for the analysis of the high frequency vibrations of wheelset and railway track is presented. In a first step a harmonically oscillating load is moving over a discretely supported rail. In a second step a wheelset, rolling over vertical sinusoidal irregularities, is considered. It will be shown that in both cases of excitation the problem can be treated completely analytically. The only numerical step is the solution of an eigenvalue problem. This procedure can also be applied for the treatment of lateral vibrations. The method is used to investigate the influence of frequency and velocity of the moving load and the moving wheelset respectively on the vertical direct receptance of the rail. Finally it will be investigated whether such a complicated analysis is necessary for technical problems such as the calculation of corrugation growth rates.