Analysis of railway vehicle system dynamics with the multibody program MEDYNA

Abstract

The general-purpose program MEDYNA is described with respect to its capabilities for analyzing the dynamics of railway systems. The modeling capabilities, the computational methods, and software aspects are addressed. Special emphasis is placed on MEDYNA's modeling assumptions for the wheel-rail contact mechanics and the railway operational modes such as critical speeds, dynamic curving, and vehicle-guideway interaction. The use of MEDYNA for typical problems associated with the development of the ICE train is demonstrated.<>