Computational model of a Shinkansen train running on the railway structure and the industrial applications

In this paper, an efficient numerical model for the dynamic interaction analysis of a Shinkansen train (bullet train) and railway structure is given. The motion of a Shinkansen train is modeled in multibody dynamics with nonlinear springs and dampers employed. A simple and efficient mechanical model for interaction between wheel and rail is described. The railway structure including the track is modeled with various finite elements. A nonlinear spring element based on a trilinear elastic–plastic material model is devised to express the elastic–plastic behavior of parts in the structure effectively for practical problems. Combined transient dynamic response of the train and railway structure is obtained by solving the nonlinear equations of motion using a modal method. A computer program DIASTARS has been developed for the interaction analysis of a Shinkansen train and the railway structure. The visualization program has been developed to visualize the combined dynamic behavior of the train and railway structure. Applications to industrial problems are demonstrated.