The axially stressed LIM reaction rail subjected to a moving load

Abstract A recently developed high speed test track for the Linear Induction Motor (LIM) Vehicle at Pueblo, Colorado consists of a welded railroad track supplemented by a continuous reaction rail. Due to constrained thermal expansions, high axial compressive forces may occur in this rail. Since the reaction rail is a relatively slender plate, high axial forces may affect its lateral stability and dynamic characteristics. In this paper the stability of the reaction rail due to axial compressive force is studied first. Following this, the effect of axial forces upon the critical velocity of a moving lateral load is studied. Included in the analysis are representations of the rail, both as an isotropic and orthotropic entity. The moving lateral load applied to the rail is assumed to be a concentrated force, acting first at the top of the reaction rail, and then at two arbitrary points.