Modelling the viscoelastic behaviour of elastomeric components: An application to the simulation of train-track interaction

The paper deals with the experimental characterisation of the frequency dep endent behaviour of elastomeric track components and with the definition of appropriate models in time domain for these elements. It is shown in particular that the dynamic stiffness of elastomeric compone nts depends on both amplitude and frequency of deformation. Moreover, the d issipative behaviour is closer to the hysteretic hypothesis than to the vis cous one. Some simple models allowing to reproduce the measured behaviour of these el ements are defined and a procedure for the identification of their paramete rs is set-up. It is shown that rather simple models can provide better results than the c lassical ones composed by a spring in parallel to a viscous damper. It is a lso shown that the introduction of these models into a finite element descr iption of the track provides a significant improvement in the calculation o f track inertance and on the results of the simulation of train-track inter action.