A model for predicting the effect of temperature force of continuous welded rail track

Abstract This paper presents a method for investigating the dynamic characteristic of railway continuous welded rail (CWR) track subjected to the longitudinal force in the rail owing to fluctuation in temperature. The influences of the temperature force on the vibration modes and resonant frequencies are analysed with a harmonically varying, transverse, concentrated force at the centre of one span of the rail. The effects of track parameters such as rail mass, support stiffness and support length are also considered. Some conclusions of practical interest are drawn from the study to enhance the understanding of the physical problems of CWR track.