Development of a rubber component model suitable for being implemented in railway dynamic simulation programs

Rubber elements are widely used in the railway industry in order to achieve vibration transmission requirements. Although they are critical components in railway vehicles, their modelling in the dynamic models of railway vehicles is usually relatively simple: it is usual to characterise them using a simple linear model formed by a spring and a viscous dashpot in parallel. In this paper the behaviour of typical rubber elements is analysed and a model that allows more accurately the prediction of its behaviour is proposed. The methodology to implement this model in railway simulation programs is also discussed.

► Experimental dynamic behaviour of rubber units used in railway vehicles is shown. ► A discrete model is proposed to represent observed behaviour of rubber components. ► Implementation of the model in a railway dynamics simulation program is discussed. ► Accuracy of numerical calculation of fractional order viscoelasticity is studied. ► Implementation of Berg's friction element is studied and a modification is proposed.