Study on the Vibration Characteristics of Floating Slab Track Based on the Load Change of Vibration Isolator

To study the impact of load variations in steel spring isolators on the dynamic performance of floating slab tracks. The study focuses on a specific section of a railway line in Shanghai, where a vehicle-floating slab track coupled dynamic model is established. Simulation of different isolator load conditions is conducted, and the results are compared with field test data to explore the impact of isolator load variations on the floating slab track. The study shows that the vertical vibration acceleration of the floating slab is not highly sensitive to load changes. However, the vertical displacement of the floating slab significantly increases with the unevenness of load distribution, which can affect the stability of vehicle operation. Additionally, an increase in isolator load leads to higher vibration levels near the floating slab’s natural frequency of 8.24 Hz, reducing the vibration damping effect. The vibration amplitude changes are more pronounced at mid-slab detection points compared to the slab ends. It is crucial to focus on the impact of isolator load on the displacement and vibration characteristics of the floating slab. Reasonable control of isolator load during track design and maintenance is necessary to ensure train operation safety and effective vibration damping.