Robust Spectral Estimation of Track Irregularity

Because the existing spectral estimation methods for railway track irregularity analysis are very sensitive to outliers, a robust spectral estimation method is presented to process track irregularity signals. The proposed robust method is verified using 100 groups of clean/contaminated data reflecting he vertical profile irregularity taken from Bejing-Guangzhou railway with a sampling frequency of 33 data every ~10 m, and compared with the Auto Regressive (AR) model. The experimental results show that the proposed robust estimation is resistible to noise and insensitive to outliers, and is superior to the AR model in terms of efficiency, stability and reliability.

Influence of Track Irregularity on Longitudinal Vibration of Wheelset and Correlation Performance

Longitudinal vibration of wheelset with respect to bogie frame often exists with a high acceleration magnitude and relative high frequency. First, a simplified model with a single wheelset moving at a constant speed on a tangential track with irregularity is used to investigate the longitudinal vibration dynamics. Computional results indicate that the longitudinal vibration frequency of the wheelset is most sensitive to the primary longitudinal stiffness and the mass of the wheelset. As to the locomotive model, the longitudinal vibration is concerned with cross-level irregularity and vertical profile irregularity. Meanwhile, a method to estimate the resonance speed is presented. Finally, a possible solution is brought forward to extend wheel-rail service life by eliminating longitudinal vibration of the wheelset. The solution is simply to arrang the primary vertical damper with a forward angle, so that its damping component can be applied to longimdinal direction.

On the problem of the dynamical reactions of a rolling wheelset to real track irregularities

We investigate numerically the dynamical reactions of a moving wheelset model to real measured track irregularities.The background is to examine whether the dynamics are suitable as the input to the inverse problem:determine the true track geometry from measured wheelset dynamical reactions.It is known that the method works well for the vertical position of the rails but the computed lateral position is often flawed.We find that the lateral motion of the wheelset often may differ from the track geometry.The cases are investigated closely but the reasons remain unknown.While the wheelset dynamics reflect the larger(>4-6 mm)aperiodic track disturbances and single large disturbances quite well,this does not seem to be the case for general smaller or periodic track irregularities or sections behind single large disturbances.The resulting dynamics of a wheelset to lateral track irregularities are in general not sufficiently accurate to be used as the basis for a description of the track irregularities.

Refined disturbance observer based prescribed performance fixed-time control of high-speed EMS trains with track irregularities

High-speed Electromagnetic Suspension(EMS)train is continuously impacted by the irregularity of the track,which worsens the levitation performance of the train.In this paper,a composite control scheme for the EMS is proposed to suppress track irregularities by integrating a Refined Disturbance Observer(RDO)and a Prescribed Performance Fixed-Time Controller(PPFTC).The RDO is designed to estimate precisely the track irregularities and lumped disturbances with uncertainties and exogenous disturbances in the suspension system,and reduce input chattering by applying to the disturbance compensation channel.PPFTC is designed to converge the suspension air gap error to equilibrium point with prescribed performance by completing error conversion,and solve the fast dynamic issue of EMS.And the boundary of overshoot and steady-state is limited in the ranged prescribed.A theoretical analysis is conducted on the stability of the proposed control method.Finally,the effectiveness and reasonability of the proposed composite anti-disturbance control scheme is verified by simulation results.

The effect of track alignment irregularity on wheel-rail contact geometry relationship in a turnout zone

The irregularity is a key factor affecting the wheel-rail contact geometry relationship. In this paper, we calculated the wheel-rail contact points at typical sections and obtained the longitudinal variation of the wheel-rail geometry relationship with the trace line method. The profile of the key rail sections was matched by cubic spline curve, and the shape interpolation was realized in non-controlling sections. The results show that the roll angles at each typical section increases gradually with the enlargement of track alignment irregularity. When the flange contact occurs, the roll angle increases dramatically. Proper track alignment irregularity towards the switch rail improves the structure irregularity of the turnout.

Dynamic analysis of axle box bearings on the high-speed train caused by wheel-rail excitation

To explore the impact of wheel-rail excitation on the dynamic performance of axle box bearings,a dynamic model of the high-speed train including axle box bearings is developed.Subsequently,the dynamic response characteristics of the axle box bearing are examined.The investigation focuses on the acceleration characteristics of bearing vibration under excitation of track irregularities and wheel flats.In addition,experiments on both normal and faulty bearings are conducted separately,and the correctness of the model and some conclusions are verified.According to the research,track irregularity is unfavorable for bearing fault detection based on resonance demodulation.Under the same speed conditions,the acceleration peak of bearing is inversely proportional to the length of the wheel flat and directly proportional to its depth.The paper will contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic performance of axle box bearings.

Assessment of the Influence of Tunnel Settlement on Operational Performance of Subway Vehicles

In the realm of subway shield tunnel operations,the impact of tunnel settlement on the operational performance of subway vehicles is a crucial concern.This study introduces an advanced analytical model to investigate rail geometric deformations caused by settlement within a vehicle-track-tunnel coupled system.The model integrates the geometric deformations of the track,attributed to settlement,as track irregularities.A novel“cyclic model”algorithm was employed to enhance computational efficiency without compromising on precision,a claim that was rigorously validated.The model’s capability extends to analyzing the time-history responses of vehicles traversing settlement-affected areas.The research primarily focuses on how settlement wavelength,amplitude,and vehicle speed influence operational performance.Key findings indicate that an increase in settlement wavelength can improve vehicle performance,whereas a rise in amplitude can degrade it.The study also establishes settlement thresholds,based on vehicle operation comfort and safety.These insights are pivotal for maintaining and enhancing the safety and efficiency of subway systems,providing a valuable framework for urban infrastructure management and long-term maintenance strategies in metropolitan transit systems.

Multivariate Analyses for Finding Significant Track Irregularities to Generate an Optimal Track Maintenance Schedule

We first discuss the relationship between the optimal track maintenance scheduling model and an efficient detection method for abnormal track irregularities given by the longitudinal level irregularity displacement (LLID). The results of applying the cluster analysis technique to the sampling data showed that maintenance operation is required for approximately 10% of the total lots, and these lots were further classified into three groups according to the degree of maintenance need. To analyze the background factors for detecting abnormal LLID lots, a principal component analysis was performed;the results showed that the first principal component represents LLIDs from the viewpoints of the rail structure, equipment, and operating conditions. Binomial and ordinal logit regression models (LRMs) were used to quantitatively investigate the determinants of abnormal LLIDs. Binomial LRM was used to characterize the abnormal LLIDs, whereas ordinal LRM was used to distinguish the degree of influence of factors that are considered to have a significant impact on LLIDs.

Deep learning-based fault diagnostic network of high-speed train secondary suspension systems for immunity to track irregularities and wheel wear

Fault detection and isolation of high-speed train suspension systems is of critical importance to guarantee train running safety. Firstly, the existing methods concerning fault detection or isolation of train suspension systems are briefly reviewed and divided into two categories, i.e., model-based and data-driven approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of these two categories of approaches are briefly summarized. Secondly, a 1D convolution network-based fault diagnostic method for highspeed train suspension systems is designed. To improve the robustness of the method, a Gaussian white noise strategy(GWN-strategy) for immunity to track irregularities and an edge sample training strategy(EST-strategy) for immunity to wheel wear are proposed. The whole network is called GWN-EST-1 DCNN method. Thirdly, to show the performance of this method, a multibody dynamics simulation model of a high-speed train is built to generate the lateral acceleration of a bogie frame corresponding to different track irregularities, wheel profiles, and secondary suspension faults. The simulated signals are then inputted into the diagnostic network, and the results show the correctness and superiority of the GWN-EST-1DCNN method. Finally,the 1DCNN method is further validated using tracking data of a CRH3 train running on a high-speed railway line.

Multiple extended target tracking algorithm based on Gaussian surface matrix

In this paper, we consider the problem of irregular shapes tracking for multiple extended targets by introducing the Gaussian surface matrix（GSM） into the framework of the random finite set（RFS） theory. The Gaussian surface function is constructed first by the measurements, and it is used to define the GSM via a mapping function. We then integrate the GSM with the probability hypothesis density（PHD） filter, the Bayesian recursion formulas of GSM-PHD are derived and the Gaussian mixture implementation is employed to obtain the closed-form solutions. Moreover, the estimated shapes are designed to guide the measurement set sub-partition, which can cope with the problem of the spatially close target tracking. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively estimate irregular target shapes and exhibit good robustness in cross extended target tracking.

Simple and fast prediction of train-induced track forces,ground and building vibrations

A simple and fast prediction scheme is presented for train-induced ground and building vibrations.Simple models such as(one-dimensional)transfer matrices are used for the vehicle–track–soil interaction and for the building–soil interaction.The wave propagation through layered soils is approximated by a frequency-dependent homogeneous half-space.The prediction is divided into the parts“emission”(excitation by railway traffic),“transmission”(wave propagation through the soil)and“immission”(transfer into a building).The link between the modules is made by the excitation force between emission and transmission,and by the free-field vibration between transmission and immission.All formula for the simple vehicle–track,soil and building models are given in this article.The behaviour of the models is demonstrated by typical examples,including the mitigation of train vibrations by elastic track elements,the low-and high-frequency cut-offs characteristic for layered soils,and the interacting soil,wall and floor resonances of multi-storey buildings.It is shown that the results of the simple prediction models can well represent the behaviour of the more time-consuming detailed models,the finite-element boundary-element models of the track,the wavenumber integrals for the soil and the three-dimensional finite-element models of the building.In addition,measurement examples are given for each part of the prediction,confirming that the methods provide reasonable results.As the prediction models are fast in calculation,many predictions can be done,for example to assess the environmental effect along a new railway line.The simple models have the additional advantage that the user needs to know only a minimum of parameters.So,the prediction is fast and user-friendly,but also theoretically and experimentally well-founded.

A trailer car dynamics model considering brake rigging of a high-speed train and its application

Brake systems are essential for the speed regulation or braking of a high-speed train.The vehicle dynamic performance under braking condition is complex and directly affects the reliability and running safety.To reveal the vehicle dynamic behaviour in braking process,a comprehensive trailer car dynamics model(TCDM)considering brake systems is established in this paper.The dynamic interactions between the brake system and the other connected components are achieved using the brake disc-pad frictions,brake suspension systems,and wheel-rail interactions.The force and motion transmission from the brake system to the wheel-rail interface is performed by the proposed TCDM excited by track irregularity.In addition,the validity of TCDM is verified by experimental test results.On this basis,the dynamic behaviour of the coupled system is simulated and discussed.The findings indicate that the braking force significantly affects vehicle dynamic behaviour including the wheel-rail forces,suspension forces,wheelset torsional vibration,etc.The dynamic interactions within the brake system are also significantly affected by the vehicle vibration due to track irregularity.Besides,the developed TCDM can be further employed to the dynamic assessment of such a coupled mechanical system under different braking conditions.

Characteristic analysis of mechanical thermal coupling model for bearing rotor system of high-speed train

Based on Newton’s second law and the thermal network method,a mechanical thermal coupling model of the bearing rotor system of high-speed trains is established to study the interaction between the bearing vibration and temperature.The influence of lubrication on the vibration and temperature characteristics of the system is considered in the model,and the real-time relationship between them is built up by using the transient temperature field model.After considering the lubrication,the bearing outer ring vibration acceleration and node temperature considering grease are lower,which shows the necessity of adding the lubrication model.The corresponding experiments for characteristics of vibration and temperature of the model are respectively conducted.In the envelope spectrum obtained from the simulation signal and the experimental signal,the frequency values corresponding to the peaks are close to the theoretical calculation results,and the error is very small.In the three stages of the temperature characteristic experiment,the node temperature change of the simulation model is consistent with the experiment.The good agreement between simulation and experiments proves the effectiveness of the model.By studying the influence of the bearing angular and fault size on the system node temperature,as well as the change law of bearing lubrication characteristics and temperature,it is found that the worse the working condition is,the higher the temperature is.When the ambient temperature is low,the viscosity of grease increases,and the oil film becomes thicker,which increases the sliding probability of the rolling element,thus affecting the normal operation of the bearing,which explains the phenomenon of frequent bearing faults of high-speed trains in the low-temperature area of Northeast China.Further analysis shows that faults often occur in the early stage of train operation in the low-temperature environment.

Dynamic Performance of Straddle Monorail Curved Girder Bridge

In this work,a monorail vehicle-bridge coupling(VBC)model capable of accurately considering curve alignment and superelevation is established based on curvilinear moving coordinate system,to study the VBC vibration of straddlemonorail curved girder bridge and the relevant factors influencing VBC.While taking Chongqing Jiao Xin line as an example,the VBC program is compiled using Fortran,where the reliability of algorithm and program is verified by the results of Chongqing monorail test.Moreover,the effects of curve radius,vehicle speed,and track irregularity on the corresponding vehicle and bridge vibrations are compared and analyzed.It is observed that the test results of lateral vibration acceleration(LVA)and vertical vibration acceleration(VVA)of track beam,and LVA of vehicle,are consistent with the simulation results.Owing to the track irregularity,vibration of track beam and vehicle increases significantly.Besides,an increase in vehicle speed gradually increases the vibration of track beam and vehicle.For the curve radius(R)≤200 m,lateral and vertical vibrations of the track beam and vehicle decrease significantly with an increasing curve radius.Alternatively,when 200 m<R<600 m,the lateral vibration of the track beamand vehicle decreases slowly with an increasing curve radius,while the relevant vertical vibration remains stable.Similarly,when R≥600 m,the lateral and vertical vibrations of the track beam and vehicle tend to be stable.Accordingly,the results presented here can provide a strong reference for the design,construction,and safety assessment of existing bridges.

Analysis of dynamic stresses in ballasted railway track due to train passages at high speeds

Repeated train passages bring detrimental effects on train operations,especially at high speeds.In this study,a computational model consisting of moving train vehicles,track structure,and track foundation is used to investigate the stress distribution in the track substructure and underlying soil,particularly when the train speed approaches the critical speed via 2.5D finite element method.The numerical model has been validated by in-situ test results from a ballasted high-speed railway.The computational results reveal that the substructure is shown to be effective in reducing the stresses transmitted to the ground;however,a simple Boussinesq approximation is proved to be inaccurate because it cannot properly take account of the effect of multi-layered substructures and train speeds.It is acceptable to assume a simplified smooth track in the analysis model for determining the maximum stresses and displacements for a low-speed railway(≤100 km/h)but,for a high-speed one,the dynamic amplification effect of track irregularities must also be considered in subgrade design.Analysis of the stress paths revealed that the load speed and track irregularity increase the likelihood of failure for the subgrade;track irregularity can induce many times of principal stress rotations even under a simple single moving load.

Dynamic performance of vehicle in high-speed freight EMU equipped with four double-axle bogies

Size and weight limitations mean that ordinary railway vehicles with two double-axle bogies cannot deliver some extremely heavy cargo and products.Thus,a newly designed high-speed freight electric multiple unit(EMU)equipped with two bogie groups each with two double-axle bogies connected by a transition frame is an alternative means of transporting heavy products because of its greater load capacity.However,because it is still in the design stage,its dynamic performance is yet to be researched,something that is urgently required because of the more-complicated structure and more-intensive wheel-rail interactions than those of traditional high-speed railway vehicles.Therefore,to reveal the dynamic performance,this study establishes a three-dimensional dynamic model of a trailer vehicle in a high-speed freight EMU equipped with four double-axle bogies based on the classical theory of vehicle-track coupled dynamics.In this dynamic model,the vertical,horizontal,rolling,pitching,and yaw motions of the major components excited by random irregularities in the track geometry are considered fully.The results indicate that the derailment coefficient and stability index of this vehicle are both at excellent levels for the simulated conditions.The wheel unloading ratio appears to be larger but still within the safety range when the vehicle runs in a straight line,but it is close to or can even exceed the limit value when the vehicle runs at 400 km/h on a specified curved line.