A moving element method using timoshenko’s beam theory for dynamic analysis of train-track systems

Abstract

The paper presents a dynamic analysis of train-track systems supported by viscoelastic foundations by combining Timoshenko’s beam theory and moving element method (MEM). In the proposed method, a three-node beam element is utilized to get a high order approximation for the deflection of Timoshenko beam. The reduced integral method is applied in order to avoid the shear-locking phenomenon when computing the shear strain energy of the rail beam. In addition, the behavior of train-track system with respect to time is deduced by using Newmark’s constant acceleration method. Numerical results show that the proposed method is free of shear locking and gives a good agreement with Koh et al.’s method using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory.