Analysis of Dynamic Characteristics of Low-Floor Train Passing Switch in Facing Direction with Bad Alignment Irregularity Ahead of the Turnout

Abstract

A low-floor train–turnout coupling dynamic model considering bad alignment irregularity ahead of the turnout was established on the basis of a field test in which the dynamic performances of a low-floor train passing through a no. 6 turnout in a rail transit depot in China had been measured, as well as the line alignment and wheel and rail profiles. There are two types of wheelsets in the low-floor train: integral wheelset and independent wheelset. The model fully considers the coupling effect between the vehicle and the ballast components, and the simulated results are in consistence with measured results in the field test. Based on this, the influences of train speed, the wheel–rail friction coefficient, and the track alignment optimization of the dynamic performance of low-floor trains passing switch in facing direction are analyzed. The main results indicate that eliminating alignment irregularities before the switch can effectively improve the dynamic performance of the integrated wheelset in the switch and the lateral forces of the outer wheels of these two vehicles are reduced by about 80%, the derailment coefficients are reduced by about 70%, the vertical force is reduced by about 10–20% and wheel load is reduced by approximately 30%.