Analysis of coupling rod operating conditions in double slip turnout operation

Despite operational limitations and high maintenance requirements, double slip turnouts still account for a significant percentage of track components in European railway networks.The need for their continued operation stems primarily from spatial constraints in station areas, which prevent the use of simpler track layouts for routing train traffic to platform tracks.Key operational challenges include speed restrictions on divergent routes and difficulties in maintaining track geometric stability.An area of particular structural sensitivity is the interaction place between the switch point machine, locking devices, and switch coupling rods, which are responsible for the switching kinematics and ensuring the proper closing and opening of switch rails against stock rails.Literature analysis indicates a significant research gap regarding the assessment of actual operating conditions of the switch coupling rod in the turnout and the consequences of insufficient track tamping in this area.This article attempts to address the indicated issue by combining an empirical approach (field tests) with numerical modeling using the finite element method (FEM).Specifically, the purpose of the work is to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the switch coupling rod and the specific consequences of inadequate track tamping.The novelty of the work is the comprehensive integration of empirical field test data with advanced finite element modeling to analyze the relationship between track maintenance conditions and turnout switching kinematics, offering a modern perspective on the optimization of safe railway traffic management.