Application of Simplified Finite Element Bolted-Joint Model Using Rigid Body Element 3 to Train Attachment Rail

Abstract

Many bolted joints are used in the field of rolling stock. From the viewpoint of computational load, it is not realistic to employ a 3D detailed model including the contact of thread surfaces and bearing surfaces. In this study, the simplified shell-beam linear finite element model using interpolated rigid body elements, which was originally proposed for flat plate joints, is applied to outfitting attachment rail fasteners. The calculated strain distribution close to the fastener, stiffness against shear force, and natural frequencies are compared with those of experiments and detailed models. Since the detailed model well reproduces the experimental results, the accuracy of the simplified model is verified through the comparison with the detailed model. It is found that the coefficient of determination of strain distribution is larger than 0.73 and the differences in the stiffness against shear force and eigenvalues are less than 10 %. Therefore, the accuracy of our proposed model is well improved, as compared with the previous Naruse model.