Study of Dynamic Behaviour of Rail Track using Finite Element Method

Abstract—The track structures subjected to dynamic loading are usually constructed from different materials and components, their behaviour cannot be easily verified or predicted. The design, repair, and effective maintenance of tracks are therefore critical for ballasted track performance assessment. In this study, analytical evaluations were performed to predict and assess the track support stiffness, track impact factor, dynamic wheel-rail forces, and subgrade modulus. The prediction model consists of a three-degrees-of-freedom dynamic track model and modified track properties. The qualitative prediction of model for dynamic track behaviour, capable of simulating the complex interaction between the track’s component properties and track responses, was developed in this study. The qualitative analysis results are presented for dynamic explicit analysis of the rail track