Effect of Parameters of Rail Structure and Vehicle Speed on Wheel-Rail Force when Vehicle Crossing Curve Track

In order to understand the effect of parameters of rail structure and vehicle speed on wheel-rail force when vehicle crossing curved track, a coupling dynamics system with vehicle, rail, sleeper and ballast was constructed by using vehicle-track coupling dynamics theory. Movement differential equations of the system were solved by a new fast explicit numerical integral method. Different wheel-rail forces were obtained by changing curve superelevation, curve radius and vehicle speed. Results of calculation have shown that increment of curve superelevation will reduce wheel-rail force, and increment of curve radius will reduce attack angle and interaction force of wheel-rail. Maximum of wheel-rail force will occur within certain scope of vehicle speed. These results will provide theory guidance and reference for finding key technology to lower wheel-rail force and reduce rail oblique crack.