COMPARISON OF DISCRETE AND CONTINUOUS RAIL MODELS

Abstract

This paper shows a comparison between the continuous and discrete rail models. The discrete rail model consists of rigid bodies which are connected with each other by springs and dampers. In the discrete track model the rails are connected with the sleepers by springs and dampers, modelling the pads and fastenings. The continuous rail model is a flexible beam connected with the sleeper masses in discrete points by springs and dampers. The paper introduces a comparative analysis of the two models from the point of view of the shape function of the rail models in case of a moving vertical force. The results give a possibility to identify the parameters of the discrete rail model with the knowledge of the dynamical processes of the continuous rail model.