The feasibility of monitoring the dipped rail\njoint defects has been theoretically investigated by simulating\na locomotive-mounted acceleration system negotiating\nseveral types of dipped rail defects. Initially, a\ncomprehensive locomotive-track model was developed\nusing the multi-body dynamics approach. In this model, the\nlocomotive car-body, bogie frames, wheelsets and driving\nmotors are considered as rigid bodies; track modelling was\nalso taken into account. A quantitative relationship\nbetween the characteristics (peakââ?¬â??peak values) of the axle\nbox accelerations and the rail defects was determined\nthrough simulations. Therefore, the proposed approach,\nwhich combines defect analysis and comparisons with\ntheoretical results, will enhance the ability for long-term\nmonitoring and assessment of track systems and provides\nmore informed preventative track maintenance strategies.
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