Dynamic Behaviour Comparison of a Switch Panel with Independently Modelled Rails Versus Combined Rails

This paper shows a comparison analysing the differences in multi-body simulation analysis between treating the switch panel as separate entities for the switch and stock rails versus treating them as a single entity.By conducting this comparison, the aim is to clarify the effects of these modelling approaches on the accuracy and efficiency of the analysis.Specifically, it investigates how these different modelling approaches influence the dynamic behaviour and contact calculations within the multi-body simulation framework, shedding light on their relative advantages and limitations for railway track analysis.Acquiring rail sections needs the scanning of rail profiles, a process to obtain comprehensive geometric data for subsequent analysis.Scanning rails in a switch panel is easier when the switch and stock rail are a single entity.Analysing these bodies separately may not only require more complex post-processing but could also result in the scanning process itself being more costly and complicated.The vehicle used in the study is a model of a simplified metro train.The cases under analysis will be similar to those described in the switches and crossings benchmark.Additionally, the rail profiles used are also sourced from the switches and crossings benchmark.In order to make a proper comparison, interpolation is used to combine stock and switch rail sections creating a single entity.The multi-body system simulation and analysis are conducted using Simpack software.