Software for the numerical simulation of tramcar vehicle dynamics

In this paper, a new simulation software specifically designed for tramcar vehicles is presented. The proposed numerical model allows to reproduce the most common tramcar configurations and to analyse the vehicle performance in terms of combined longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics. A particularly detailed procedure for the calculation of wheel-rail contact forces is implemented, thus allowing to deeply investigate sharp curve negotiation behaviour and its effect on vehicle safety, comfort and wheel/rail wear and fatigue. The simulation software also allows to consider the state equations of the traction motors (together with those of the electric converters), in order to analyse the electro-mechanical interaction of the two subsystems in transient conditions, and to compare/optimise different vehicle control strategies. The main software features are summarised, together with their theoretical basis, and some numerical results are reported, in comparison with the corresponding experimental data.