Investigating an Interaction between Rail Vehicle Dynamics and Track Alignment of Addis Ababa Light Rail Train

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Date

2017-07

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This thesis examines the effect of vehicle dynamics on both vertical and lateral deterioration of the track alignment. The track system, the measurements of the track geometry and the definition of the track quality are explained in detail. The background study forms fundamental knowledge for the vehicle-track lateral dynamic interaction study. A review of current researches in the field of vertical and lateral railway track deterioration is presented in order to establish a better understanding of track deterioration mechanisms, highlighting the weakness and limitations of these studies. Based on the background and the reviews done in the field, the statistical analysis is done and provides a better understanding of three aspects of track lateral irregularities: the relationship between vertical and lateral irregularities, the relationship between track curvature and track lateral irregularity and the change in track lateral deterioration over time. The paper describes statistical studies of track deterioration, as well as the development and validation of a vehicle-track dynamic interaction model so that making the effective control and reduction of the lateral deterioration achievable and the vertical and lateral track irregularity magnitudes are clearly correlated. The model indicates the mechanisms influencing track deterioration both vertically and laterally which provides effective solutions in consideration of vehicles, wheel-rail contact and the track system.

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Keywords

Rail Vehicle, Dynamics, Lateral Misalignment, Interaction, Irregularity, power spectral density, vehicle loading

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