Influence of Wheelset Structure and Fastener Stiffness on Rail Corrugation

In order to study the formation mechanism and influence factors of rail corrugations on a sharp curved track of metro line, a finite element model for a wheelset-track system on a sharp curved track, which consists of a power wheelset, two rails and a series of sleepers, is established from the viewpoint of friction-induced vibration causing rail corrugation. Using this model, the stability and dynamic performance of the wheelset-track system are analyzed by the complex eigenvalue analysis and transient dynamic analysis. The simulation results show that the friction-induced vibration of the wheelset-track system is more likely to occur under the effect of the saturated creep force, which is able to cause rail corrugation. Meanwhile, the gearbox location on the leading wheelset has a little influence on the self-excited vibration of the system. The lateral stiffness of the fastener has a little influence, while the vertical stiffness has a significant influence on self-excited vibration. As the vertical stiffness of fastener increases, the unstable vibration of the wheelset-track system presents a trend of first increase and then decrease. When the vertical stiffness is about 20 MN/mm, rail corrugation is most likely to occur.