Numerical investigation on compaction operations of railway gravel ballast based on DEM-MBD coupling method

• Published in: Powder technology Vol. 449; p. 120428
• Main Authors: Zhang, Zhihai, Xiao, Hong, Liu, Qiang, Wang, Yang, Qian, Zhongxia, Nadakatti, Mahantesh M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15-01-2025
• Subjects: Ballasted track; Compaction operation; DEM-MBD coupling; Field test; Parameter optimization; Railway maintenance; Railway maintenance; Ballasted track; Field test; Parameter optimization; Compaction operation; DEM-MBD coupling
• ISSN: 0032-5910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2024.120428

Compaction is an essential process in the maintenance of ballasted railways. However, unreasonable operating parameters can reduce compaction efficiency and increase maintenance costs. Previous studies have hardly addressed the impact of compaction on improving the mechanical properties of the ballast bed. In the study, the dynamic equations of compaction are established, and a novel model of compaction based on DEM-MBD coupling method is developed. Furthermore, the parameters of the compaction are optimized from a macro and micro perspective. The research results show that the compaction mainly increases the coordination number of the ballast in the upper area of the ballast shoulder, and the maximum growth rate is 17.45 %. The study reveals that there is no positive correlation between the compacting effect and the excitation frequency. The optimal frequency range for compaction is 25–32 Hz. This study can provide key theoretical support for the parameter selection of on-site compaction for line maintenance.
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•A coupling model of the tamping-compacting continuous operation is established.•An efficient simulation method for arbitrary excitation force is developed.•The mechanism of compactor operation is revealed from macro and micro perspectives.•Efficient parameters for compaction operation are proposed.