On the effect of varying stiffness under the switch rail on the wheel—rail dynamic characteristics of a high-speed turnout

Abstract

Using models of vertical geometric and stiffness irregularities in turnouts, the dynamic effect of a high-speed train on a turnout is investigated using vehicle-track dynamic interaction theory. The ordinary slide base plate under the switch rail used today in highspeed turnouts is welded to two pieces of steel plate. To avoid the vertical uneven stiffness along the railway track's longitudinal direction, an elastic slide base plate is developed. A layer of an elastic rubber is inserted between an upper sliding plate and the base plate. After the switch rail is laid elastically, the turnout's dynamic characteristics are investigated and compared with the characteristic of the ordinary plate. The results show that the elasticity under the switch rail could effectively improve the vertical wheel—rail interaction dynamics when the train passes from the stock rail to the switch rail. The dynamic performance of the turnout improves and the life of the turnout as well as of the plates are extended.