An Efficient Algorithm for Nonlinear Analysis of Vehicle/Track Interaction Problems

In this paper, a new algorithm for solving the vehicle/track dynamic interaction problem is developed, aimed at reducing the computational cost. The algorithm called Advanced Solver Algorithm (ASA) uses the full Newton–Raphson incremental-iterative method in conjunction with the Newmark integration scheme to solve the equilibrium equations of the coupled vehicle/track system in time domain. Considering the track as a beam resting on a viscoelastic foundation and each vehicle as a wagon with ten degrees of freedom, the governing differential equations of motion of the vehicle/track system were derived. The wheel/rail contact was considered as a nonlinear Hertz spring and consequently the vehicle/track nonlinear dynamic interaction problem was solved. A comparison between the results of the ASA and those of the most advanced algorithm available was made to evaluate the efficiency of the ASA. It is confirmed that using the ASA can result in 40–70 % of reduction in computational cost.