Creep force modelling for rail traction vehicles based on the Fastsim algorithm

The evaluation of creep forces is a complex task and their calculation is a time-consuming process for multibody simulation (MBS). A methodology of creep forces modelling at large traction creepages has been proposed by Polach [Creep forces in simulations of traction vehicles running on adhesion limit. Wear. 2005;258:992–1000; Influence of locomotive tractive effort on the forces between wheel and rail. Veh Syst Dyn. 2001(Suppl);35:7–22] adapting his previously published algorithm [Polach O. A fast wheel–rail forces calculation computer code. Veh Syst Dyn. 1999(Suppl);33:728–739]. The most common method for creep force modelling used by software packages for MBS of running dynamics is the Fastsim algorithm by Kalker [A fast algorithm for the simplified theory of rolling contact. Veh Syst Dyn. 1982;11:1–13]. However, the Fastsim code has some limitations which do not allow modelling the creep force – creep characteristic in agreement with measurements for locomotives and other high-power traction vehicles, mainly for large traction creep at low-adhesion conditions. This paper describes a newly developed methodology based on a variable contact flexibility increasing with the ratio of the slip area to the area of adhesion. This variable contact flexibility is introduced in a modification of Kalker's code Fastsim by replacing the constant Kalker's reduction factor, widely used in MBS, by a variable reduction factor together with a slip-velocity-dependent friction coefficient decreasing with increasing global creepage. The proposed methodology is presented in this work and compared with measurements for different locomotives. The modification allows use of the well recognised Fastsim code for simulation of creep forces at large creepages in agreement with measurements without modifying the proven modelling methodology at small creepages.     

Methodology and verification of calculations for contact stresses in a wheel–rail system

The distribution of contact stresses in the wheel–rail system is a decisive factor for the wear of elements and the safety of rail transport. Analytical calculations of stresses based on the Hertz theory can only be applied to elastic deformation of materials. High dynamic loads leading to plastic deformation (not considered in the Hertz theory) are a predominant cause of problems in the contact vicinity. These problems can be successfully resolved by applying the finite-elements method. Two- and three-dimensional test models were generated to estimate an error in numerical calculations in the MSC.MARC program. We compared the results of numerical calculations with analytical calculations. Based on the obtained results we defined the effect of parameters describing the finite-elements mesh on the calculation error for contact stresses, and adjusted mesh parameters appropriately to achieve as low as possible error in numerical calculations. We also defined the effect of material characteristics on the value of contact stresses on the wheel–rail interface.     

Modelling of wear and fatigue defect formation in wheel–rail contact

The model for analysing wear and fatigue defect formation is developed based on the approaches of contact and fracture mechanics. The model includes the solution of the contact problem for the wheel and rail to find the shape, size and position of the contact zones and the contact stresses and calculation of the surface wear and the function of damage accumulation in the rail and wheel. The wear rate and the worn-profile evolution of the wheel surface are calculated using both statistic and deterministic approaches to modelling of vehicle dynamics (tribo-dynamic modelling). The influence of the evolution of the wheel–rail profiles due to wear on the damage accumulation process is analysed. It is shown that for some values of the wear rate coefficient, the wear process can prevent the crack initiation under the wheel surface.     

Wear rate estimation of train wheels using dynamic simulations and field measurements

Wheel–rail wear is one of the important problems in the railway industry, especially from the point of safety, maintenance, and replacement cost. To investigate this phenomenon, it is necessary to simulate the wheel–rail interaction. The simulation results and in particular the wear number is not tangible enough to explain the wear condition of the system. For one set of simulation performed on two different railway systems one could obtain the same wear numbers, of say 100, while having two completely different wear rates. In order to have a better understanding of the wear condition, it is proposed to convert the wear numbers to wear rates. In doing so by measuring the wear rate, one determines the rate at which the wheel flange thickness is reduced. In this research, a new approach has been proposed to determine the wheel wear rate through multi-body dynamic analysis and simulation and the field measurements carried out on the fleet of one of Tehran's subway lines. This procedure could also be expanded to determine a wear criterion for specific lines and their fleets. Having this wear criterion would provide a better understanding of the simulation results either prior to the construction of railway lines or for the presently used ones. In other words, designers can simulate a railway line, not being constructed yet, and with a good approximation determine the critical points along the line with high wear rates, and make necessary modifications to decrease the wear.     

Comparing rear wheel steering and rear active differential approaches to vehicle yaw control

A comparison between two different approaches to vehicle stability control is carried out, employing a robust non-parametric technique in the controller design. In particular, an enhanced internal model control strategy, together with a feedforward action and a suitably generated reference map, is employed for the control of a vehicle equipped either with a rear wheel steering (RWS) system or with a rear active differential (RAD) device. The uncertainty arising from the wide range of operating conditions is described by an additive model set employed in the controller design. Extensive steady state and transient tests simulated with an accurate 14 degrees of freedom nonlinear model of the considered vehicle show that both systems are able to improve handling and safety in normal driving conditions. RAD devices can make the vehicle reach higher lateral acceleration values but they achieve only slight stability improvements against oversteer. On the other hand, 4WS systems can greatly improve both vehicle safety and manoeuvrability in all driving situations, making this device an interesting and powerful stability system.     

提速机车车轮踏面剥离问题研究

在研究提速机车垂向异常振动问题的过程中,发现轮对相对于转向架在纵向存在着剧烈的高频共振现象;同时发现轮对的纵向振动现象是一种客观存在的现象,不管它有没有发展成共振。由此联想到通过消除轮对的纵向共振现象来改善轮轨动态作用力,进而实现从本质上解决机车车轮的踏面剥离问题,提高踏面的使用寿命。     

A 9-DOF Tractor-Semitrailer Dynamic Handling Model for Advanced Chassis Control Studies

Summary This paper describes a flexible and modular 9-degrees-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic handling model for a tractor-semitrailer combination vehicle. The equations of motion are derived from the fundamental equations of dynamics in Euler’s formulation, with the use of general computer-algebra software. The primary aim of the model is simulation of handling scenarios with active yaw control, using unilateral braking. However, it may also prove useful in other areas of tractor-semitrailer handling analysis or hardware-in-the-loop simulations. The model is formulated as a state-space model that may be implemented in standard simulation environments. A Simulink implementation is presented, and simulation results are compared with experiments to validate the model.     

关于车轴轮座、车轮轮毂孔的圆柱度公差和压装曲线分析

提高加工精度有利于改善轮座和轮毂孔接触状态,降低轮座因压装产生的最大残余拉应力。文章对照国外标准,提出了修改我国现行轮对组装技术条件的建议。     

强侧向风作用下的高速列车动力学性能研究

针对强侧向风下高速旅客列车运行安全性问题,利用SIMPACK软件建立了3车三维动力学仿真模型,根据已有的高速列车在侧向风下的空气动力学模拟计算得到的风载荷数据,分析了侧向风对列车在直道和曲线上动力学性能的影响。结果表明,列车的轮轨参数考察指标如轮轨横向力、脱轨系数及减载率等均显著增大,最大值均发生在头车。最后得出几种典型风速下直道和曲线上列车最高允许车速的参考值。