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This paper presents recent developments undertaken by SNCF Innovation & Research Department on numerical modelling of pantograph catenary interaction. It aims at describing an efficient co-simulation process between finite element (FE) and multibody (MB) modelling methods. FE catenary models are coupled with a full flexible MB representation with pneumatic actuation of pantograph. These advanced functionalities allow new kind of numerical analyses such as dynamic improvements based on innovative pneumatic suspensions or assessment of crash risks crossing areas that demonstrate the powerful capabilities of this computing approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a fluid–wall interaction model, called the elastic tube model, is introduced to investigate wave propagation in an elastic tube and the effects of different parameters. The unsteady flow was assumed to be laminar, Newtonian and incompressible, and the vessel wall to be linear-elastic, isotropic and incompressible. A fluid–wall interaction scheme is constructed using a finite element method. The results demonstrate that the elastic tube plays an important role in wave propagation. It is shown that there is a time delay between the velocity waveforms at two different locations and that the peak velocity increases while the low velocity decreases in the elastic tube model, contrary to the rigid tube model where velocity waveforms overlap each other. Compared with the elastic tube model, the increase of the wall thickness makes wave propagation faster and the time delay cannot be observed clearly, however, the velocity amplitude is reduced slightly due to the decrease of the internal radius. The fluid–wall interaction model simulates wave propagation successfully and can be extended to study other mechanical properties considering complicated geometrical and material factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the influence of dynamic and geometrical soil parameters on the propagation of ground vibrations induced by external loads. The proposed approach is based on a three-dimensional model, focusing on realistic excitation sources like impulse loads and moving railway vehicles. For the latter, a complete vehicle/track model is developed. The simulation is performed in time domain, offering an interesting approach, compared with classic cyclic analyses. The ground is modelled initially as an elastic homogeneous half-space and additionally as a layered half-space. First, the effect of homogeneous soil properties on ground vibration is analysed. Soil stratification is then taken into account, using various configurations. Analysis reveals that as receiver distance increases ground wave reflection in a layered ground plays an important role in the reduction of ground surface motion. This effect is magnified when the phase velocity wavelength becomes large compared with the depth of the surface layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the earthquake-resistance performance of a continuous rigid-frame bridge under different strong seismic loads. To this end, an ideal finite element mechanical model for a continuous rigid-frame bridge was first constructed through the use of ANSYS codes. Based on the developed model, the seismic behaviours of the continuous rigid-frame bridge with and without a base isolated system were investigated with respect to the natural frequencies, mode shapes, displacements and stresses. Further, based on the foregoing results and the limit state method, the earthquake-resistance reliability was calculated. From the computed results, it is found that this large continuous rigid-frame bridge has a relatively high seismic-resistance capacity and could satisfy the design requirements under the action of earthquake excitations. The findings herein are also expected to provide some design guidelines on the seismic analysis for other similar large engineering structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an investigation of moisture migration patterns in the vicinity of mature trees and soil slope stability. A numerical model is presented for unsaturated moisture flow incorporating a sink term to represent water uptake by a tree. The resulting variation in soil moisture content (or suction) is then included within an extended slope stability analysis that employs a method of estimating shear strength as a function of suction in addition to net mean stress. The moisture transfer equation is solved via application of a finite element method. The resulting water uptake predictions have been validated previously and were shown to be in reasonable agreement with field measured data. The current work provides an assessment of the importance of this aspect of the problem on slope stability. Results show that seasonal soil suctions generated by a tree can influence the facture of safety against soil slope failure in the order of 8%. The research provides a further contribution to the overall assessment of slope stability. It may be included in routine calculations where maintenance of rail/road embankments may involve alteration (or removal) of vegetation. It may also be applied to vegetated natural slopes subject to deforestation or development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]