Keywords: vehicle dynamics, instrumented turnout, wheel-rail contact.

The dynamic behaviour of turnouts is analysed using measurements from instrumented turnout crossings. The dynamic responses of each turnout arising from passing trains are measured using a mobile device. The main elements of the device are the three-dimensional acceleration sensor (to be installed at the crossing nose), the velocity sensor and the sleeper displacement sensor. The measured dynamic responses of the turnout primarily comprise of the accelerations of the crossing nose and the displacements of a sleeper recorded in three dimensions.

Based on the velocity of the passing trains (which is measured as well) the locations of the maximum acceleration of the crossing nose arising from each passing wheel is determined. These locations indicate the most probable area for initiation of the fatigue defects on the crossing nose [1]. Moreover, depending on the direction and the magnitude of these accelerations regular and irregular wheel-rail contact in the turnout crossing can be detected. In [2] such data from an instrumented turnout have been used for validation of the numerical model.

Using the above-mentioned device a number of turnouts were measured. The dynamic responses were collected and analysed. Based on this analysis some conclusions on the effect of:

1. the type and velocity of the passing trains;
2. the type of turnout (e.g. crossing angle, sleeper material); and
3. the vertical rail geometry (crossing nose)

on the performance of the turnout crossing (assessed by the magnitude and location of the wheel contact forces) are drawn. The results are presented and discussed.

1

V.L. Markine, M.J.M.M. Steenbergen, I.Y. Shevtsov, "Combatting RCF on switch points by tuning elastic track properties", Wear, 271, 158-167, 2011. doi:10.1016/j.wear.2010.10.031

2

C. Wan, V.L. Markine, I.Y. Shevtsov, "Simulation of Train-Turnout Interaction and Validation using Field Measurements", In J. Pombo, (Editor), "Proceedings of the First International Conference on Railway Technology: Research, Development and Maintenance", Civil-Comp Press, Stirlingshire, United Kingdom, paper 136, 2012. doi:10.4203/ccp.98.136

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