Multibody numerical simulations of post-derailments dynamics of a trainset: A comparison between guard rails and derailment containment wall

Rail transport is widely acknowledged as one of the safest modes of land transportation. However, derailments remain a significant safety concern that can lead to catastrophic outcomes. This paper presents results from a research aimed at supporting the design of effective derailment containment measures through numerical simulation techniques, employing a multibody model to simulate the post-derailment behaviour of a railway trainset. This model is combined with a finite element model of a track-based derailment containment device and is used to predict the forces on this structure resulting from the impact with the derailed train. The key innovations presented in this paper include the modelling of the entire trainset instead of a single vehicle, considering the effect of inter-vehicle interaction forces due to the traction gear and buffers, and the modelling of guard rails as an alternative to derailment containment walls which were previously investigated. The introduction of these new features enhances the scope and accuracy of the model, particularly providing a more accurate prediction of the impact forces which considers the effect of the interaction between adjacent vehicles, and the possibility to compare different derailment mitigation measures.