A Novel Approach to the Analysis of Under Sleeper Pads (USP) Applied in the Ballasted Track Structures

The present paper is dedicated to the analysis of under sleeper pads (USP), which are resilient elements used in ballasted track systems as vibration isolators. Four types of USP are considered. The authors present the results of laboratory tests, which are then used as input values for the finite e...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Artur Zbiciak, Cezary Kraśkiewicz, Anna Al Sabouni-Zawadzka, Jan Pełczyński, Sławomir Dudziak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-05-01
Series:Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/11/2438
Description
Summary:The present paper is dedicated to the analysis of under sleeper pads (USP), which are resilient elements used in ballasted track systems as vibration isolators. Four types of USP are considered. The authors present the results of laboratory tests, which are then used as input values for the finite element (FE) and mechanical model of the structure. A special focus is put on the description of an original four-degree-of-freedom (4DoF) mechanical model of the system that includes a fractional rheological model of USP. Using the proposed approaches, the dynamic characteristics of under sleeper pads are determined, and conclusions on vibration isolation effectiveness are drawn.
ISSN:1996-1944