Analytical Design Method for Widening the Intertrack Space

Abstract

Widening the intertrack space is one of the basic elements of shaping the geometric layout of the railway track. It significantly influences the obtained speed of trains. The solutions applied so far do not provide favorable kinematic conditions due to the occurring distribution of curvature along the length of the track. In the paper a new approach is made to the problem of widening the intertrack space by presenting a thesis that it is necessary to form it using two joined curves of appropriate curvature distribution. It has been assumed that along the widening length there appear segments of variable curvature in extension zones of both the curves, whereas in the central zone the curvature is constant. To solve the problem use has been made of the analytical design technique, employing the identification of the curvature distribution by different equations. Particular attention has been given to the nonlinear distribution of curvature, regarded as the most advantageous undertaking. To obtain a specific final ordinate in the widening the intertrack space it is necessary to obey a sequential correction procedure of the adopted geometric parameters.