Three-Dimensional Vehicle–Curved Track Dynamic Model Based on FEM and DEM

In this work, a systematic vehicle–curved track dynamic model is presented, in which the vehicle is modeled as a multi-rigid-body system. The track structure is modeled by finite element method with curved rail beam element considered in geometry. To obtain accurate dynamic behavior of railway ballasted track, the resistance characteristics of ballast bed are revealed by introducing the discrete element method. Besides, a two-step iterative-update method is improved to solve the multi-nonlinearity of the vehicle–curved track dynamic interaction. To improve the computational efficiency, and the improved infinite cyclic calculation method is introduced. Apart from the model validations, the application of this model in engineering practices, such as the vehicle-induced vibration of the continuously welded rail (CWR), has been revealed, and some conclusions are drawn from the numerical studies.