Application of Multibody Dynamics Simulation in Approximation of Rail Vehicle Dynamic Envelope

Abstract

The master plan for Thailand's Eastern High-Speed Rail Project calls for the Airport Rail Link to be shared with high-speed trains. To ensure the safety of mixed operations, it is imperative to assess loading and structural gauges. This study determined the dynamic envelopes of rail vehicles using multibody dynamics modeling, focusing on three rolling stock models-Siemens Desiro UK Class 360/2 EMU, CRH2C EMU, and Shinkansen Series 300 High-Speed EMU-across a spectrum of operating conditions. Factors such as train mass, suspension characteristics, running speed, wheel wear, track geometry, and track irregularities were incorporated as dynamic simulation parameters. The greatest vehicle movement occurred along the westbound curve path, particularly at the transition between the 996-meter-radius curve to the 180-meter-radius curve. The Shinkansen Series 300 exhibited the greatest lateral and vertical maneuverability. Both the CRH2C EMU and Shinkansen 300 Series trains exceeded the structural envelope limitations of the Airport Rail Link.