The Vertical Dynamic Response of a Rail Vehicle caused by Track Stiffness Variations along the Track

SUMMARY In this paper a mathematical model is used to analyse the influence of vehicle and track parameters on the dynamic behaviour of the vehicleltrack system. Particular attention is given to the influence of spatially varying track stiffness on the performance of the vehicle and the dynamic loading between the wheel and the track at low frequencies. Differential track settlement, due to the dynamic loading of the track and due to spatial stiffness variations in the track, is also predicted.