ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the vehicle–track interaction was investigated by multi–body–system–programs (MBS). For an investigation of the vehicle–track interaction, time domain models are very suitable, because they can consider local defects of the track and the wheel. For many cases, eg wheel flats, welded joints or short pitch corrugation nonlinear contact mechanics and therefore a time domain solution are often necessary for a correct calculation of the contact force. Due to the increase of train speed and axle load, the knowledge of the dynamic interaction of track and vehicle becomes very important. In the past, the vehicle–track interaction was investigated by multi–body–system–programs (MBS). These programs were used to design the vehicles with respect to the ride quality and stability for high speeds. The vehicle–track interaction model consists of a vehicle and a track model. Both are restricted to the vertical and longitudinal dynamics, in order to reduce the degrees of freedom.
