Abstract:In order to investigate the influence of gauge rods on the dynamic performance in tight curves of heavy haul railway, the wheel-rail dynamic interaction and wheel-rail wear when the locomotive negotiates the R300 m curve at a running speed of 70 km/h were analyzed on the basis of vehicle track coupled dynamic theory. The influence of running speed and curve radius on gauge dynamic expansion, wear number, and gauge rods were analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of the spacing of gauge rods on the lateral stability of the track was studied. The simulation results indicate that the gauge rods can stabilize the gauge and reduce the turning angle of the rail at the outside curve. Compared with the curve without gauge rods, the contact point of the inner rail of the curve with gauge rods is closer to the inner side of the curve. The wear number and the dynamic gauge expansion when the locomotive negotiates a tight curve will increase with the decrease of curve radius and the increase of running speed. Increasing the arrangement density of gauge rods can effectively enhance the ability to stabilize the gauge. The dynamic gauge expansion will reduce by 36.3% when the spacing of gauge rods is reduced from 4 to 3 rail spans.