Analyses of railway induced vibrations for different track types

In this study, the vibration characteristics of railway vehicle and track are analysed. Effects of railway induced vibrations for passenger comfort and safety are very important for railway transportation systems. The vibration levels are one of the main parameters that should be taken into account during the design stages of railway vehicle and track systems. And the vibrations in the low frequency range cause discomfort for the passengers. Also, types of the railway track structure affect the vibration levels. Railway vehicle is modeled as six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) system with different railway track types such as slab track and ballasted track structures. Two railway tracks are considered as mass-springdamper systems. When the rail vehicle is traveling on a slab track and ballasted track, the displacements and accelerations of vehicle body and passenger seat are analysed for time history and frequency response. The vibration characteristics of the two types of track structure are compared according to vibration levels. Finally, the results are discussed to minimize vibrations encountered on railway systems for passenger comfort and safety.