Analysis of Turnouts with Non-linear Curvature of Diverging Track for Different Train Running Speeds

Th e paper deals with the issue of shaping variable curvature in diverging track of a railway turnout. A solution without a circular arc in the central zone, containing two zones of non-linear curvature with the same length and zero curvature values at the end points, was adopted as a model, on the basis of previously conducted dynamic tests. Th e optimum type of curvature was selected from the perspective of the kinematic conditions. An analytical record of the curvature and the tangent inclination angle along the diverging track and of the Cartesian coordinates of the diverging track are presented. Th e obtained theoretical correlations were verifi ed by computing. Verifi ed correlations were used to determine geometrical parameters of some turnouts with non-linear curvature of the diverging track for diff erent assumed train running speeds on it. Th e criterion was to minimize the length of the entire turnout with a predefi ned ordinate of the end of its diverging track.