An efficient hybrid method for dynamic interaction of train–track–bridge coupled system

An efficient hybrid method (HM) is proposed by combining the direct stiffness method (DSM) and the mode superposition method (MSM) for analyzing the train–track–bridge coupled system (TTBS). The train and the track are modeled by applying the multi-body dynamics and the DSM, respectively. The bridge is modeled by applying the MSM that is efficient in capturing the dynamic behavior with a small number of modes. The train–track subsystem and the bridge subsystem are coupled by the interaction forces between them. The computational efficiency is significantly improved because of the considerably reduced number of equations of motion of the TTBS. Numerical simulations of a train traversing an arch railway bridge are performed and the results are compared with the field test data and the data from other methods, demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.