Impact of Fastener Failure and Support Block Hanging Void on the Dynamic Characteristics of the Vehicle–Track Coupled System in Low Vibration Track in Curved Section of Heavy-Haul Railway
Source abstract
Abstract
The wheel–rail impact effect is prominent in the low vibration track (LVT) in the curved sections of heavy-haul railways, where fastener failure and the support block hanging void are prone to occurring. To investigate the impact of these issues on the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle–track coupled system, this study establishes a coupled dynamics model of a heavy-haul train and LVT, taking into account the topological relationships of vehicle components, multipoint wheel–rail contact, and track irregularities. Comparative analyses are conducted to evaluate the effects of the location, quantity, and failure degree of fastener failure and support block hanging voids on running safety and stability. The results show that (1) compared to the normal condition, fastener failure and support block hanging voids lead to varying degrees of increases in response indicators, thereby intensifying the wheel–rail impact; (2) bilateral failure exhibits more pronounced dynamic responses than unilateral failure, and when the number of failed fasteners or hanging voids exceeds one, the maximum wheel load reduction rate increases significantly; (3) as the gap of the hanging void increases, the dynamic response also increases, and when the gap reaches approximately 3 mm, the support block can be considered fully suspended; and (4) comprehensive analysis indicates that fastener failure poses a greater threat to running safety than support block hanging voids and thus warrants greater attention in practical engineering applications. This study provides theoretical support for the maintenance and repair of heavy-haul railways.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Railway Engineering and Dynamics · Railway Systems and Energy Efficiency · Transport and Economic Policies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
MOE Key Laboratory of Engineering Structures of Heavy Haul Railway (Central South University), Changsha 410075, China
Soete Laboratory, Department of Electrical Energy, Metals, Mechanical Constructions and Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 800242, Nigeria
Funding
Central Universities of Central South University · National Natural Science Foundation of China · China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
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