Nonlinear Wheelset Dynamic Response to Random Lateral Rail Irregularities

Abstract

The nonlinear equations of motion for a railway vehicle wheelset having profiled wheels and contact of the wheel flange with flexible rails are presented. The effects of spin creep and gyroscopic terms are included. The rails are considered to have random lateral irregularities which are described by prescribed power spectra. The equations of motion are integrated numerically and the effects on the dynamic response of quantities such as speed, track roughness, wheel wear, flange clearance, and lateral stiffness of the rails are investigated.