Multibody simulation of tramcar dynamics for the analysis of track degradation

The most important problem for tramcar operators is track degradation, since line maintenance costs can be very high and, in critical conditions, the service stop can be required. Thus it is essential to realize an effective tool able to find out the most important parameters that influence track degradation. A mathematical model, specific for tramcar dynamic simulations and suitable for track degradation analyses, and an accurate contact model able to take the contact phenomena typical of urban vehicle into account, have been developed within the EC funded research project SPURT, that deals with this topic performing an accurate study of tramcar wear behaviour. The paper deals with the evaluation of the effect of vehicle running parameters on the overall contact forces and the calculation of wheel load spectra needed for FEM calculations.