Stability of Freight Vehicles with the H-Frame 2-Axle Cross-Braced Bogies. Simplified Theory

The cross-bracing applied to 2-axle freight bogies compromises the trade-off between curving and stability on a higher level, from the point of view of vehicle dynamic properties, than is possible to achieve with classical structure. This paper presents a simplified theory of stability for a vehicle with H-frame cross-braced bogies. Application of this theory to preliminary design studies involves simple calculations. The results of calculations in the form of stability regions are instructive and help in understanding the problem. This theory does not claim to be comprehensive but it can be useful for preliminary design studies.