Freight cars shunting impacts analysis using an improved dynamic model of friction draft gear

In this study, simulations of shunting impacts for groups of freight cars that include up to six cars are considered. The simulation technique employs a white-box improved dynamic model of friction draft gear considering all its components and detailed finite element models of the freight cars. The key differences between the one-to-one shunting impact and the impact of long groups of cars in terms of features of the draft gear deflections and the coupler force time history are discussed. We present an example of dynamic finite element analysis for the car body using the coupler force time history obtained from the shunting impact simulation.