Long railway track modelling – A parallel computing approach

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a dynamics model for long track sections. It is based on an established short track model that utilises the Finite Element Method to describe rails and block models to describe sleepers, ballast and subballast. By implementing a parallel computing method, this innovation enables the construction of a true long track model: by segmenting the long track into shorter segments that are easier to compute. The model facilitates simulations to be run in parallel, thereby permitting simultaneous calculations of various numerical track variables. The model employs a Message Passing Interface framework to seamlessly link the track segments, handling the flow of data among the computing cores designated to each subdivided section. This strategic framework allows the long track model with the capability to simulate tracks of virtually any length, with the only constraints being the available computational resources and time. The claimed contribution about modelling capability is verified using two case studies on a 6km-long track involving different practical and conceptual train operational scenarios: emergency braking and constant braking force with constant train speed. These case studies show the flexibility and scalability of the method and its capability to handle complex track dynamic systems.