Simulation of vertical dynamic vehicle–track interaction – Comparison of two- and three-dimensional models

By using an extended state-space vector approach, the vertical dynamic vehicle–track interaction between a railway vehicle and a slab track is simulated in the time domain. Both two- and three-dimensional track and vehicle models are considered. In the two-dimensional track model, the rail, panel and roadbed are modelled using Rayleigh‒Timoshenko beam elements. In the three-dimensional track model, the rails are modelled using Rayleigh–Timoshenko beam elements, whereas the panel and roadbed are modelled by 3D brick elements. Based on Python scripts, the parameterised three-dimensional track model is developed in Abaqus, from which the system matrices are exported to Matlab where the dynamic analysis is performed. In the presented numerical examples, similarities and differences between the two models are discussed, and it is highlighted in what scenarios the different models are feasible to employ