DYNAMIC TRAIN/TRACK INTERACTION: PARAMETRIC STUDY AND COMPARISONS WITH FULL-SCALE MEASUREMENTS

The influence of different track parameters on the dynamic contact force between a rolling wheel and the rail is studied. Factorial design methods are employed. Track parameters are estimated from in–field measurements of dynamic flexibilities at a selected test site. Comparisons between calculated and measured wheel/rail contact forces at the test site are made. The railhead irregularities are included in the calculation model by use of a stochastic process. The input statistical data are obtained from railhead irregularity measurements at the test site.