Abstract:A refined etype fastener model based on its real size was established and nonlinear contact and restraints were used to deal with the interaction between the components of the fastener. The modal shapes and harmonic response characters of the fastener, in both unrestraint and service status, were analyzed using the timefrequency responses analytical method. Besides, the main cause for fastener fracture was revealed and compared with the field test results. This research shows that the first and second resonance frequencies of fasteners in unrestraint and service status (808 Hz~812 Hz, 869 Hz and 410 Hz~420 Hz, 530 Hz) agree with the test section corrugation frequencies, which is the main cause leading to fasteners fracture. An effective way to reduce or avoid fastener fracture is to change the running speed of the train. To avoid the resonant response, it is recommended to control the traveling speed under 80 km?h-1 after calculation.