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Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2023) | Viewed by 13684

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Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Zboiński

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Faculty of Transport, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: railways
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The railway as a whole, i.e. the transportation system, as well as its elements, as. e.g. rail vehicles or infrastructure, are physically the large objects. Studying their properties based on their direct observations, experiments on them, measurements of the chosen quantities during tests or exploitation are thus difficult. As soon as the simulation techniques became advanced enough the space appeared for them to replace such direct observations, experiments and measurements. Nowadays, after decades of using them, it is obvious that they save time and money vastly and besides make it possible to get the data about the system and its elements that could not be obtained for practical reasons without their help. What is more, amount of the data obtained from the single simulation experiment is usually much bigger than the amount from the measurements during some, even extensive experiment on the real object. All this is recently possible thanks to the continuous development of the computer techniques both in the hardware and software parts. Number of the dynamical issues that can and are treated with the numerical simulation techniques is enormous. That is why here scope of numerical simulation is limited to the dynamical, engineering and scientific issues related to mechanical, civil and railway transport engineering. In particular this might mean dynamical issues in rail vehicles, railway infrastructure and railway transport organization and planning. On the other hand any issues related in the broader sense to those just mentioned are of interest. The scope includes modelling methods for the needs of simulation, simulation software, results of the simulations both of the theoretical and practical character. Combination of the dynamical simulation with other methods of the analysis as well the corresponding results are of interest, too. The world advances in the subtitle is understood in the broadest sense. So, it refers equally to new results in terms methods, studied objects, cognitive and practical aspects and so on.

This special issue welcomes original manuscripts concerning, but not limited to, use of numerical simulation in studies of phenomena, properties, processes of dynamical nature in the following issues:

Railway vehicle dynamics in general,
Railway vehicle stability,
Curving performance,
Vehicle-infrastructure interactions,
Fatigue strength and wear of vehicle and its elements,
Comfort problems,
Track loading,
Track durability,
Track maintenance,
Less conventional track-vehicle systems,
Organization of rail transport,
Railway as a transportation system
Rail transport as subsystem within city, area, country, and world transportation systems.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Zboiński
Guest Editor

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Keywords

numerical simulation
dynamical issues
railway vehicle dynamics
vehicle track interactions
track infrastructure
track layout
railway transportation system

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 7029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protection of Buried Pipelines from High-Speed Train Vibrations with Expanded Polystyrene Geofoam

by Alexandros Lyratzakis, Yiannis Tsompanakis and Prodromos N. Psarropoulos

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031087 - 27 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1056

Abstract

High-speed railway (HSR) lines commonly operate over hundreds of kilometers, crossing several other large-scale infrastructures, such as highways, tunnels, bridges, and pipelines. This fact makes adjacent infrastructure more vulnerable to high-speed train (HST)-induced vibrations; thus, their potential distress should be carefully examined. The current study aims to assess the level of traffic-induced vibrations on the surface of buried pipelines vertically crossing under an HSR line. Firstly, the necessity to reduce high vibration levels is highlighted, utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model in conjunction with the moving load approach. Subsequently, an efficient mitigation measure is proposed to minimize these vibrations. For this purpose, a low-weight, high-performance geosynthetic fill material, i.e., expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam blocks, has been implemented between the HSR line and the buried pipeline to minimize the impact of vibrations. In this manner, HST-induced vibrations are reflected on EPS blocks, preventing them from reaching the pipeline surface. Based on this detailed parametric study, useful conclusions are drawn regarding the mechanical properties and geometry of the EPS protection layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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17 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Power Dissipation and Wear Modeling in Wheel–Rail Contact

by Andrzej Myśliński and Andrzej Chudzikiewicz

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010165 - 24 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1160

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the modeling of power dissipation due to friction and its relation with wear estimation in wheel–rail contact. Wear is a complex multi-scale and multi-physical phenomenon appearing in rolling contact. Wear is generated by high contact stress and the work of friction forces. This phenomenon leads to the appearing of the worn material in the form of wear debris between contacting surfaces. In contact models, wear is usually described in terms of the wear depth function. This function modifies the gap between the contacting bodies as well as the shape of the surfaces of the wheel and rail in contact. In this paper, besides the wear depth function, the dissipated energy, rather than the contact stress, is taken into account to evaluate the wear impact on rail or wheel surfaces. The dissipated energy allows us to more precisely evaluate the wear debris amount as well as the depth of wear and its distribution along the contact interface. A two-dimensional rolling contact problem with frictional heat flow is considered. The elasto-plastic deformation of the rail is considered. This contact problem is governed by a coupled system of mechanical and thermal equations in terms of generalized stresses, displacement and temperature. The finite element method is used to discretize this problem. A discretized system of equations with nonpenetration and friction conditions is transformed and formulated as a nonlinear complementarity problem. The generalized Newton method is applied to numerically solve this mechanical subproblem. The Cholesky method is used to find the solution of the heat-conductive problem. The dissipated power is evaluated based on the resultant force and slip at a reference point. Numerical results including the distribution of slip velocity, power factor and wear rate are provided and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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25 pages, 4672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Instability of Vibrations of Mass(es) Moving Uniformly on a Two-Layer Track Model: Parameters Leading to Irregular Cases and Associated Implications for Railway Design

by Zuzana Dimitrovová

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12356; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212356 - 15 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 751

Abstract

Ballasted railway tracks can be modeled using reduced/simplified models composed of several layers of discrete components. This paper deals with the two-layer model, which is very popular due to its computational efficiency. In order to provide some recommendations for track design, it is necessary to identify which set of parameters leads to some irregular/unexpected behavior. In this paper, irregularities are investigated at three levels, namely, (i) the critical velocity of a moving constant force, (ii) the instability of one moving mass, and (iii) the instability of two moving masses. All results are presented in a dimensionless form to cover a wide range of real parameters. Irregular cases are identified by sets of parameters leading to them, which is the main finding of this paper; then, general conclusions are drawn. Regarding the method, all results are obtained analytically or semi-analytically, where “semi” refers to solving the roots of a given polynomial using predefined numerical procedures in symbolic software. No numerical integration is involved in any of the results presented. This means that the results are highly accurate and refer to exact values, so any kind of parametric or sensitivity analyses is readily possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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17 pages, 3006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Cable Aging on Surge Arresters Designed by Genetic Algorithm

by Dariusz Zieliński and Damian Grzechca

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11364; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011364 - 16 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 961

Abstract

The degradation of communication cable insulators reduces the availability of the train control system and is caused by the degrading of data transmission line parameters. Due to extremely varying environmental conditions in the railway industry, the effect of data transmission line degradation on the critical parameters of the surge arrester that is used in wayside equipment is not known. The surge arrester module is very important in the railway industry, as it enables the protection of sensitive parts of wayside equipment, especially communication interfaces existing in wheel detectors, evaluators, signals, etc. These are critical to the safe and efficient management of railway infrastructure. The process of selecting a surge arrester component for a two-level voltage input to enable the examination of the degradation impact of a cable insulator used in rail signaling equipment on the performance of the surge arrester is presented in this paper based on the standards, as well as practical experience. To achieve this objective, an innovative design of the goal function that can be adapted to the new requirements of various industry sectors is proposed. The use of a two-stage solution verification is a unique feature of this method. The results indicate that the proper selection of the arrester components ensures the effect of degradation of the communication cable has an insignificant influence on the power dissipation of the surge exposures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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15 pages, 6159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strength Analysis of an Open Car Body with Honeycomb Elements during Ro-Ro Transportation

by Juraj Gerlici, Alyona Lovska, Oleksij Fomin, Ján Dižo and Miroslav Blatnický

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 11022; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131911022 - 6 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

This article presents the determination of the bearing structure loads of an open car during ro-ro transportation. A special solution for an open car is the application of elastic, viscous honeycomb panels in the frame. This engineering solution can decrease the load of the bearing structure of an open car during interactions with multiple-use lashing devices. This article presents the mathematic modelling of the dynamic load of an open car during ro-ro transportation. This calculation is based on the most popular load diagrams for the bearing structure of an open car applied for sea transportation, namely the rolling motion and the turning motion of a train ferry approaching a dock. It was found that the application of honeycomb panels can decrease the dynamic load of a rail car in comparison to a standard structure by about 25%. The results of the strength calculation of the bearing structure of an open car demonstrated that the maximum equivalent stresses do not exceed the allowable values and are 30% lower than the stresses that emerging in the standard structure. The conducted research can be used by engineers who are concerned about safe and environmentally friendly transportation via train ferries and more efficient ro-ro transportation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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21 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Optimization of Maintenance Works and Crews in Railway Networks

by Nikoletta Gkonou, Emmanouil Nisyrios and Konstantinos Gkiotsalitis

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10503; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810503 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1598

Abstract

This study develops optimal maintenance schedules for train lines, a critical endeavor ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of railway networks. The study addresses the combined scheduling problem of maintenance works and crews on the railway networks. The baseline scheduling model is initially established with the primary objective of allocating maintenance tasks efficiently while adhering to pertinent constraints, encompassing task grouping and cost minimization. Subsequently, this baseline model is enhanced through the integration of crew scheduling, wherein work crews are strategically assigned to execute predefined tasks, thereby facilitating effective workload distribution. The combined maintenance work and crew scheduling problem is mathematically formulated as a binary linear programming model, enabling the attainment of globally optimal solutions. Comparing the outcomes of our enhanced model, which incorporates both maintenance works and crew schedules, with the baseline model that solely addresses maintenance works, we reveal that task grouping in accordance with predefined conditions leads to reduced overall costs by minimizing maintenance duration during various periods. Additionally, the judicious distribution of workload among the crews ensures comprehensive coverage of all essential tasks. These findings underscore the significance of our proposed approach in enhancing the operational efficacy and economic viability of railway maintenance scheduling, thereby offering valuable insights for practical implementation and future research endeavors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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15 pages, 2590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Bogie Maintenance and Retrofitting on Wheel Wear: Analysis Using Integer Programming and Multibody Simulation

by Lucas Valente, Luiz Lopes and Lucas Sousa Ribeiro

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6101; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106101 - 16 May 2023

Viewed by 1675

Abstract

Brazilian railroads are continuously looking to increase their asset performance. In this sense, wheel/rail interface studies have been conducted, which allowed benefits that were not previously considered. Improved wheel/rail contact can significantly reduce maintenance costs, increase energy efficiency, and increase operational safety. For rolling stock, wheel consumption usually has the highest maintenance cost and is among the highest total costs of a railroad. Therefore, the understanding of wheel wear behavior, which is carried out in an integrated manner with permanent track and operating conditions, must be investigated in depth. This study aims to analyze the influence of bogies on wheel wear. Two aspects were considered: maintenance conditions and bogie design. The maintenance conditions were evaluated through wayside and field measurements. The collected data were later statistically evaluated and modeled in integer programming to optimize and review the maintenance strategy, which could avoid premature wheel scrapping after 5 years, allowing for a regular wheel life of 9 years. This analysis has allowed for the development of a new bogie maintenance parameter, which is not defined in manual and rule standards. The bogie design modernization was analyzed using the VAMPIRE multibody simulation software. The retrofitted bogie was modeled to improve the dynamic behavior and analyzed using wheel/rail contact theory. The polymer suspension elements’ modelings were thoroughly detailed for each property to illustrate the retrofit’s design features. Therefore, to calculate the gains of the retrofitted bogie, a methodology was built to compare the results of wheel wear in a real railroad track section. This methodology can be used to show that the retrofit can provide a reduction in wheel wear of 40% for ride control for a broad gauge (1600 mm). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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17 pages, 8035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Prediction of Impact Force Acting on Derailment Containment Provisions (DCPs)

by In-Ho Song, Jeong-Seo Koo, Jae-Seok Shim, Hyun-Ung Bae and Nam-Hyoung Lim

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3899; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063899 - 19 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2184

Abstract

This study proposes a theoretical method to estimate the impact force of Derailment Containment Provisions (DCPs) for the prevention of secondary collisions in the event of a train derailment. By comparing the impact forces estimated using the commonly used Olson model and dynamic simulations, the study identifies significant differences in average and maximum impact forces. The study shows that these differences arise due to the mass effects of vehicle bodies transmitted to the DCP during a collision. To address this issue, the impact force of the Olson model was modified by considering the stiffness of suspensions between masses as a simplified spring–mass model. The modified impact force was verified through impact simulations using the KTX model on curved tracks with various radii. The results show that the modified Olson model provides a reasonable estimate of the impact force, with differences of less than 8% observed under all simulation conditions. This study provides a valuable contribution to the design and analysis methodology for DCPs, improving their effectiveness in preventing secondary collisions and enhancing railway safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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17 pages, 9352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Strength of the Supporting Structure of a TwoSection Hopper Wagon under Operating Loading Conditions

by Glib Vatulia, Juraj Gerlici, Oleksij Fomin, Alyona Lovska, Yuliia Fomina and Kateryna Kravchenko

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020859 - 8 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2318

Abstract

It is proposed to improve hopper wagon design to provide the possibility of simultaneous transportation of different types of cargo. This improvement consists of dividing the body into two separate sections, interacting with each other through a vertical wall and horizontal connecting belts. A calculation by using the FEM in the SolidWorks Simulation has been carried out to determine the strength of the construction of the two-section hopper wagon. The results of the research showed that the maximum load of the hopper wagon occurs in the first design mode (impact). However, the obtained stresses were lower than permissible by 30%. To calculate the indicators of the wagon dynamics, modeling was carried out. All received dynamics indicators were within the permissible limits. For transporting a hopper wagon on railway ferries in international traffic, it is suggested to use units for the fastening chain. Research of the dynamic load of the hopper wagon supporting structure was carried out through mathematical modeling. The strength analysis of the hopper-wagon-bearing structure was carried out. It was found out that the stresses in the hopper wagon structure did not exceed the normative values. The results of the research will contribute to the increased profitability of railway transport. Additionally, the results of the work can be useful in the creation of modern designs of wagons, including for international traffic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Dynamic Simulation: Recent Advances and Perspective)

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