DEM-MBD Co-simulation-based Breakage Analysis of Ballasted Bed Caused by Train Movement

Abstract:

In order to analyze the breakage of ballasted track caused by train movement， the discrete element method-multibody dynamics(DEM-MBD) co-simulation model of ballasted track was established to analyze the influence of train load on the stability of ballasted track and the breakage law of ballasts on different positions in different shapes on ballasted bed. The results show that after train load， the lateral resistance of track bed decreases by 14.82 %； in the depth of 0. 21m below the sleeper， the ballast below the rail ditch tends to be broken rather than that below the sleeper center； the highest broken rate of ballast is 12.5 % when ballast is at the depth of 0.12~0.24m below the sleeper； the ballast at the shoulder is basically unbroken； flat ballast is more easily broken than normal and long ballast； in the operation of ballasted track lines， the content of flat ballast should be reduced and the ballast breakage at the depth of 0.24m below the sleeper should be paid much attention to.