ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a mathematical model for the simulation of dynamic behaviour of a train running on a track eventually supported by a structure. The model takes into account carbody and wheelset deformability, in order to better reproduce measured acceleration and therefore passenger comfort and forces exchanged between wheel and rail. The herein presented model is obtained by the combination of different schematization techniques (rigid bodies, modal approach and finite elements), because each body of the vehicle (bogies, carbody, wheelsets) presents different problems for its schematization. For instance, the vibration modes of the free wheelset greatly differ from the ones of the wheelset paced on the rail and in presence of creep forces. In addition, the problem is made more difficult by the fact that one of the aims of the model is to take into account the vertical and lateral motion of the vehicle+structure system at the same time.
