Numerical Analysis of Dynamic Contact Forces Due to Interaction Moving Vehicles and Flexible Structures

In this study, the dynamic forces between the vehicle moving at a constant speed and the bridge considered as flexible structure have been analyzed in terms of many parameters affecting these forces (such as structure rigidity, vehicle velocity, vehicle body mass). The vehicle model used in the study was modeled as a six-degree-of-freedom model with passenger and driver seats. The bridge beam considered as a flexible structure in the study was modeled according to the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory with simple supported boundary conditions. The equation of motion of the system is obtained by Lagrange equation after the energy equations of the vehicle and bridge interaction are obtained. The differential equations are solved by the fourth order Runge-Kutta algorithm time in the time domain. Then dynamic forces originating from vehicle bridge interaction are analyzed in terms of many parameters. In conclusion, it has been revealed that the dynamic forces formed between the vehicle and the bridge are significantly influenced by the vehicle speed, body weight and bridge flexibility.