MODELLING AND OPTIMISATION OF AN EMBEDDED RAIL STRUCTURE

This paper presents some key aspects of optimal rail track design for the case of an embedded rail structure (ERS). Its coverage includes: (1) numerical modelling of track behaviour; (2) choice of optimality criteria; (3) formulation of an optimisation problem; and (4) choice of an optimisation method. The optimality criteria are based on requirements for the tracks, related to the design's cost-efficiency and minimum noise emission and wear of rails and wheels. The design variables are the material and geometric properties of an ERS: the elastic properties and volume of the compound, the shape of the rail cross section, and the depth of troughs. The static and dynamic behaviour of an ERS are analysed using the finite element software ANSYS and RAIL. The optimisation is performed by a numerical technique, which uses Multipoint Approximations based on Response Surface fitting (MARS method). A new design of ERS, suitable for high-speed train operation, has been derived from a conventional design. The paper presents and discusses the results of the optimisation, which have fulfilled expectations about the rail's shape and size. The presence of trough chamfers strongly affected the reduction of stresses; this factor can be important for designing an ERS with small rails.

• Corporate Authors:

  International Railway Congress Association

  17-21 rue de Louvrain
  1000 Brussels,   Belgium 
• Authors:
  • MARKINE, V
  • DE MAN, A
  • Jovanovic, S
  • Esveld, C
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 15-23
• Serial:
  • RAIL INTERNATIONAL

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Computer programs; Costs; Design; Economic efficiency; Elasticity (Mechanics); Finite element method; Mathematical models; Methodology; Minimization; Noise; Optimization; Properties of materials; Railroad tracks; Steel; Wear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency; Minimum; Optimum
• ITRD Terms: 9001: Behaviour; 224: Cost; 9011: Design (overall design); 5911: Efficiency; 5912: Elasticity; 6490: Finite element method; 6473: Mathematical model; 9102: Method; 9046: Minimum; 2492: Noise; 5925: Properties; 8645: Software; 4542: Steel; 5293: Wear
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Environment; Finance; Materials; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00799677
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Oct 6 2000 12:00AM