Non-stationary random vibration analysis of three-dimensional train–bridge systems

Abstract

This paper presents a new non-stationary random vibration technique for the analysis of three-dimensional, time-dependent, train–bridge systems that are subjected to excitations caused by track irregularities. It is based on the pseudo-excitation method (PEM), which was previously applicable only to time-invariant systems, but is extended herein and the result is strictly proven to be applicable to time-dependent systems. The analysis proceeds by taking time lags between the wheel excitations into account, in order that the effects of track irregularity can be regarded as a set of three-dimensional, uniformly modulated, multi-point, different-phase, non-stationary random excitations. This enables the random surface roughness of the track to be transformed using PEM into the superposition of a series of deterministic pseudo-harmonic surface irregularities. The precise integration method is then extended to compute the corresponding pseudo responses. By using these pseudo-responses, various non-stationary random responses, including the time-dependent PSD and RMS of the system, can be obtained conveniently and efficiently. Numerical examples show the effectiveness and accuracy of the present method by comparison with Monte Carlo simulation. Additionally, the characteristics of such non-stationary random responses are discussed.