Influence of track gauge variation on rail vehicle dynamics (an examination based on comparison between data from a test train running on track with irregularity artificially set and numerical simulation)

Abstract

In order to clarify the relation between train dynamics and track irregularity, test trains running on track irregularities artificially set were run at a speed of up to 210km/h and the responses of the carbody, etc., were observed on the Jyoetsu Shinkansen line in Japan. The authors analysed the responses of the carbody to alignment irregularity with gauge enlargement (enlargement of the rail-flange clearance) on the basis of the observed data. The responses were compared with the results of vehicle dynamics simulation. In addition, using the same simulation program, the influence of gauge variation on carbody hunting motion of a new high-speed Shinkansen train, which has soft suspension between the carbody and bogie owing to the bolsterless bogie, was studied. It was concluded that gauge enlargement decreases the response to alignment irregularity but lowers the stability of hunting characteristics.