Railroad Vehicle Dynamics

Presents computational multibody system formulations that can be used to develop computer models for complex railroad vehicle systems (RVSs). Focusing on nonlinear formulations, this book explains the limitations of linearized formulations that are frequently used in analysis. It addresses and solves geometric problems that are specific to RVSs.

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The methods of computational mechanics have been used extensively in modeling many physical systems. The use of multibody-system techniques, in particular, has been applied successfully in the study of various, fundamentally different applications.

Railroad Vehicle Dynamics: A Computational Approach presents a computational multibody-system approach that can be used to develop complex models of railroad vehicle systems. The book examines several computational multibody-system formulations and discusses their computer implementation. The computational algorithms based on these general formulations can be used to develop general- and special-purpose railroad vehicle computer programs for use in the analysis of railroad vehicle systems, including the study of derailment and accident scenarios, design issues, and performance evaluation.

The authors focus on the development of fully nonlinear formulations, supported by an explanation of the limitations of the linearized formulations that are frequently used in the analysis of railroad vehicle systems. The chapters of the book are organized to guide readers from basic concepts and definitions through a final understanding of the utility of fully nonlinear multibody- system formulations in the analysis of railroad vehicle systems.

Railroad Vehicle Dynamics: A Computational Approach is a valuable reference for researchers and practicing engineers who commonly use general-purpose, multibody-system computer programs in the analysis, design, and performance evaluation of railroad vehicle systems.