Often, multi-body dynamic simulation (MBDS) is used as a tool to examine the potential causes or likelihood of a derailment under known or expected operating conditions. From these investigations the risk of derailment (or safety factor) associated with the simulated conditions can be estimated.  However, most MBDS studies focus only on the occurrence of a derailment event and simulation stops once the vehicle has derailed. This presentation will show how MBDS has been used to estimate vehicle trajectory and interactions with adjacent trackwork and structures following a derailment event.

This technique was used on the Melbourne Metro Rail Project (MMRP) to examine possible train behaviour with a series of hypothetical derailment scenarios at a new turnout to be installed on the approach to an existing road overbridge. Utilising the Universal Mechanism MBDS package, a general model that incorporated an X’Trapolis 6 car trainset and the proposed MMRP track layout, including associated structures and retaining walls, was developed.

The track model also included a breakable rail feature which facilitates structural interaction with both fastener and rail elements during the derailment. The effects of sleepers, ballast and adjacent tracks were also modelled. This work was utilised to assist with defining the design basis for structures in the vicinity of the turnout.

Speaker

Darrien Welsby
Team Leader – Wheel-Rail Interface & Track
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Darrien is a Civil Engineer and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Railway Technology, Monash University, with over 15 years’ experience in the rail industry.His primary role at the Institute revolves around examination of the wheel-rail interface, which includes wheel and rail profile development, contact analysis, wheel-rail interface management and maintenance techniques.

Darrien’s other expertise includes track structure design and analysis for heavy haul and general mixed traffic applications. While most of his work is associated with the heavy haul railways in the Pilbara, Darrien has also helped provide comprehensive wheel-rail interface solutions for general passenger, mixed freight, high speed and mass transit railway systems around the world.

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