Finite element model updating methodology and application to flexible resonance of high-speed railway vehicles

The flexible resonance phenomenon of a carbody greatly affects the stability and safety of high-speed trains. Therefore, an accurate finite element (FE) model is crucial for establishing a rigid-flexible multi-body dynamics model and revealing the flexible resonance mechanism of high-speed trains. In this paper, we introduced an effective calibration and validation methodology for a carbody FE model of high-speed trains based on experimental modal analysis (EMA). A detailed three-dimensional (3D) carbody FE model that considered practical constraints was developed, and the carbody material parameters were optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA). Based on the updated model, a high-speed railway vehicle-track rigid-flexible coupled dynamics model was established. Results showed excellent agreement between the numerical simulations and field measurements. The proposed method was able to accurately reproduce the carbody flexible resonance phenomenon and elastic modal frequency observed on site.