Modelling Of The Track Supports With Elements Over Elastic Foundation Together With Dynamic Internal Degrees Of Freedom

Formulation of the Timoshenko elements is improved with the use of internal degrees of freedom (iDOF) representing the local displacements, leading to a new finite element approach specially devoted to the numeric analysis of the track dynamics. The dynamic formulation of the local displacement is proved to correct the frequency content of the track model. Regarding time domain studies, this approach avoids the displacement underestimation and shear discontinuity between elements, which are sources of inaccuracies and irregular behaviour. Those rail sections located above the supports are modelled with Timoshenko element over elastic foundation (TEEF), and the rest with conventional Timoshenko elements (TIM4). By using TEEF prompt disruption of the contact force at support surpassing is avoided, and the frequency response of the track around the 'pinned-pinned' frequency is corrected. Moreover the TEEF formulation is extended in order to account for the sleeper pitch rotation, and evaluation of its influence over the track dynamics is performed.