Optimization of the dynamic properties of the ladder track system to control rail vibration using the multipoint approximation method

The combination model of the vehicle and ladder track system that accounts for the wheel–rail interface has been developed to analyze the wheelset and ladder track vibration characteristics in the frequency and time domains. In the wheel–rail interface, the vertical contact is represented by contact stiffness derived from the Hertz theory of normal elastic contact, and lateral contact is idealized by linear contact used Kalker linear rolling contact theory. The considerable noise and vibration frequency of the ladder track is determined by experimental investigation results. Then the effect of the most significant ladder track parameters on the track vibration is analyzed in time domain using the vehicle–track coupling model. Based on the results of the parametric study, an optimization of the mechanical properties of the ladder track to reduce the track vibrations is performed using the multipoint approximation method. The results of the optimization are presented and discussed.