Tian, Shirun (Beijing Jiaotong University), Yan, Fei (Beijing Jiaotong University), Majumdar, Arnab (Imperial College London), Huang, Xiaohua (China railway Design Corporation)

Digital Twin Simulation and Test Platform for VCTS: A Fundamental Study of Train Multi-Body Dynamics Modeling

Scheduled for presentation during the Invited Session "S16b-Control, Communication and Emerging Technologies in Smart Rail Systems" (TH-EA-T16), Thursday, November 20, 2025, 14:50−14:50, Southport 1

2025 IEEE 28th International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC), November 18-21, 2025, Gold Coast, Australia

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on October 18, 2025

Abstract

The Virtual Coupling Train Set (VCTS) is transitioning from conceptual frameworks to on-site applications, demanding rigorous test verification. Digital twin technology, through virtual models highly map physical entities, simulates VCTS's realistic operational scenarios, reducing on-site testing costs and risks while overcoming the inadequacies of traditional VCTS test platforms in terms of authenticity and accuracy. However, the key challenge in this process lies in developing VCTS train dynamics models with sufficient fidelity for testing. This paper presents a structure-dependent multi-body dynamics (MBD) modeling methodology implemented through dedicated dynamics analysis software. First, longitudinal-transverse mechanical interactions are analyzed to clarify force propagation mechanisms in VCTS. Secondly, physics-based modeling of critical components is implemented using Beijing Metro Line 11’s design parameters within specialized dynamics software. Thirdly, metro-line-specific operational simulations validate the model's accuracy. The developed train dynamics model achieves precise characterization of microscale dynamic parameters during VCTS operations, providing a dynamic modeling basis for the subsequent VCTS digital twin simulation test platform.