Abstract
Switching load, which is the force required to bring about switching, is one of important mechanical properties for developing and maintaining the switch-and-lock system and turnout. Measurement tests are only technique to analyze and evaluate switching load, however, it is very difficult to perform the tests for all combinations of switch-and-lock systems and turnouts. Against this background, we are currently working on the development of a method to estimate switching load while aiming to establish a technique to replace such measurement tests. In this report, we present a method simulating contact between two 2D-objects in order to apply multi body dynamics to motion of escapement cranks and switch adjusters. Furthermore, we present a model to estimate the switching load using multi body dynamics, and also present the result of the simulation.
