Material parameters effect and optimization of rail clip design for heavy haul subjected to different axle loads and speeds

Abstract

The fastening system, a critical component in railway engineering, serves the dual purpose of transferring the load from the rail to the sleeper while ensuring the rail’s steadfast position. Due to increase of annual tonnage, concrete sleepers and fastening systems have been experiencing a wide variety of failures that include rail seat deterioration, insulator wear, shoulder deterioration, and worn rail pads. The mechanical behavior of fastening system is not fully investigated and further research need to be done. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the impact of varying axle loads and speeds on rail clips, considering various mechanical properties. The study aims to comprehensively assess their overall influence on the performance of the railway system. Finite element method is used for this analysis. Modal analysis is utilized to pinpoint areas of maximum deformation, specifically at the point of contact with the rail (front toes) and the lower two arches. Further insight is gained through frequency response analysis, conducted across varying speeds and axle loads. Additionally, the analysis extends to exploring the impact of altering mechanical properties such as density, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio. The results demonstrate that increasing the values of the mechanical properties leads to an increase in both the amplitude and corresponding frequencies. The relationship between speed, axle load, and the corresponding frequencies and amplitudes is determined. The results not only confirm expectations but introduce novel observations, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these factors interplay in the railway system.