Establishment and verification of three-dimensional dynamic model for heavy-haul train–track coupled system

For the long heavy-haul train, the basic principles of the inter-vehicle interaction and train–track dynamic interaction are analysed firstly. Based on the theories of train longitudinal dynamics and vehicle–track coupled dynamics, a three-dimensional (3-D) dynamic model of the heavy-haul train–track coupled system is established through a modularised method. Specifically, this model includes the subsystems such as the train control, the vehicle, the wheel–rail relation and the line geometries. And for the calculation of the wheel–rail interaction force under the driving or braking conditions, the large creep phenomenon that may occur within the wheel–rail contact patch is considered. For the coupler and draft gear system, the coupler forces in three directions and the coupler lateral tilt angles in curves are calculated. Then, according to the characteristics of the long heavy-haul train, an efficient solving method is developed to improve the computational efficiency for such a large system. Some basic principles which should be followed in order to meet the requirement of calculation accuracy are determined. Finally, the 3-D train–track coupled model is verified by comparing the calculated results with the running test results. It is indicated that the proposed dynamic model could simulate the dynamic performance of the heavy-haul train well.     

Solving conformal contacts using multi-Hertzian techniques

Recently, publications aiming at wheel–rail contact surveys let readers think that multi-Hertzian methods present severe drawbacks with respect to ‘virtual penetration’ methods. These surveys criticise multi-Hertzian solutions mainly because presenting ‘larger contacts overlaps’ and ‘frequent secondary contacts near the border of the first contact’, both obvious geometric possibilities of which the practical occurrence and eventual inconvenience would remain purely theoretical unless established over definite methods demonstrating poor practical results. Recent surveys all quote Piotrowski–Chollet 2005 survey of wheel–rail contact models that attempted to illustrate defective multi-Hertzian techniques by concentrating on the method initiated by Sauvage in the 1990s and further developed by Pascal. The 2005 paper not only gives no evidence of practical inconveniences of Sauvage’s method but also confuses static geometric contact overlaps with the dynamical overlapping of forces. In reality it mixes Sauvage method up with a quite different technique. Thus a clarification is now necessary by reminding what the proper Sauvage technique really is and by showing some of its practical successful applications. The present paper, focusing on determination of normal contact forces in conformal situations, intends to explain clearly the advantages of the unequivocal localisation of secondary ellipses in that multi-Hertzian method which has been developed in INRETS VOCO codes in the 1990s and successfully used by SNCF and ALSTOM in the INRETS-SNCF code, VOCODYM, and later in Pascal’s online calculation of railway elastic contacts code. It proved its effectiveness for studying freight wagons derailments as well as rail wear and head-check, unrounded wheels wear, high-speed lines’ deformations or TGV comfort. While simulating American ACELA trainsets’ behaviour on the US North-East Corridor tracks, prior to actual tests, as part of the commercial contract. It has been also a major tool for bringing back together French and American Safety Standards.     

焦柳铁路超限坡区间扩能改造方案研究

超限坡对列车运行速度和线路输送能力均有很大影响,是既有单线铁路扩能改造工程的重要制约因素。为解决既有单线铁路超限坡问题,增大铁路输送能力,提高列车运行速度,阐述焦柳铁路超限坡区间现状,结合单线铁路怀化至柳州段电气化扩能改造工程,提出既有线补机牵引方案、既有线大功率机车动能闯坡方案、展线软化坡度方案及局部增二线方案4个扩能改造方案。在此基础上,结合焦柳铁路超限坡区间与机车选型匹配性分析,经方案比选研究,得出焦柳铁路超限坡区间扩能提速改造方案,为我国单线铁路超限坡区间扩能改造提供借鉴。     

Comparison of vibration response prediction on the main deck of a catamaran using experimental,numerical and correlated mode shapes

This work analyses the influence of three types of modal matrices on the prediction of vibration response (virtual sensing), at unmeasured degree of freedoms (DOFs), on a catamaran’s main deck: (1) uncorrelated finite element (FE), (2) correlated FE and (3) experimental modal matrices.A multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) framework was developed to handle the optimization and prediction processes. This framework introduces a new metric called Time–Frequency-Error Response Assurance Criteria (TFERAC) to assess the prediction quality. This metric also allows estimating the best set of modal acceleration vectors, which is a critical step in the virtual sensing process.As a case study, only 06 accelerometers and 13 vibration modes (within each modal matrix) were used in the virtual sensing. The MOGA framework’s performance was evaluated using a variance analysis test (ANOVA) between measured and predicted response signals.Results showed that: (1) any one of the modal matrices could be used successfully for virtual sensing on the main deck, that is, there is no need to use correlated FE or experimental modal matrices; (2) the newly proposed metric TFERAC leads to smaller errors in the prediction of both vibration time series and vibration spectra;(3) it is possible to perform a virtual sensing on a ship’s main deck using a limited number of sensors and a numerical modal matrix without being correlated with experimental data.     

Analysis of S–N data for new and corroded mooring chains at varying mean load levels using a hierarchical linear model

Results from full scale fatigue tests of offshore mooring chains are analyzed. The data set includes new and used chains, tested at a variety of mean load levels. The used chains have been retrieved after operation offshore and include samples with varying surface conditions, ranging from as-new to heavily corroded. Based on a parameterized S–N curve intercept parameter, the effects of mean load and chain condition are estimated empirically by regression analysis. A hierarchical linear model is used, to account for and quantify correlations within subsets of the data. The choice of grouping criterion for the hierarchical model is discussed, and assessed based on the current data. Results show that the mean load and corrosion effects are both significant. Differences in the fatigue performance of new versus used chains are quantified and discussed.     

Fatigue damage prediction of ship rudders under vortex-induced vibration using orthonormal modal FSI analysis

Recently, the fatigue failure of ship rudders owing to vortex-induced vibration has increased as commercial ships become faster and larger. However, previous methods are inappropriate for fatigue failure prevention owing to the lack of fluid–structure interaction considerations. This study aims to develop a fatigue damage prediction method that can be applied at the design stage to prevent fatigue failure of ship rudders under vortex-induced vibration. The developed prediction method employed the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) method to properly consider the fluid–structure interaction and implemented orthonormal mode shapes to reflect the complex geometry and boundary conditions of the ship rudders. For validation, vortex-induced vibration of the hydrofoil model was obtained using the developed method, and the prediction results matched well with the experimental results. Then, the fatigue damage of the ship rudder model under vortex-induced vibration was predicted using the developed method, and their characteristics are discussed. The stress distribution obtained using the developed method matched well with the geometrical characteristics of the ship rudders. The potential for fatigue failure due to the resonance of vortex-induced vibration was expected by comparing the stress distributions for various flow velocities to the S–N curves provided by the DNV classification.