Dynamic modelling of railway track: A periodic model based on a generalized beam formulation

Dynamic modelling of railway track is a vital step in view of traffic noise reduction. Considering the track as a periodic structure, the classical properties and methods associated with one-dimensional periodic structures are recalled, then applied to the problem within the framework of the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories. These methods turn out to be insufficient when compared with experimental data, especially concerning the lateral receptance spectrum. Therefore, an extended beam model is developed, essentially based on the notion of generalized cross-section displacements. Finally, the application of this theory to railway track results in a significant improvement in the computed spectrum, and suggests directions for further investigations. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.