Stability analysis of multibody systems with long flexible bodies using the moving modes method and its application to railroad dynamics

In order to model a long flexible body subjected to a moving load within multibody systems, the flexibility can be considered by using a special floating frame of reference approach. In this approach the body deformations are described using shape functions defined in a frame of reference that follows the load. The definition of the deformation shape functions in the load-following frame of reference leads to additional terms of the inertia forces of the flexible body. This method was recently presented by the authors and named the moving modes method. The selected shape functions used in this work are the steady deformation shown by a flexible straight body subjected to a moving load. In this investigation the new formulation is applied to the steady motion and stability analysis of railroad vehicles moving on curved tracks.