Maksym Spiryagin

Wagon instability in long trains

Lateral force components and impacts from couplers can adversely affect wagon stability. These issues are significant in longer and heavier trains increasing the risk of wagon rollover, wheel climb, wagon body pitch, bogie pitch and wagon lift-off. Modelling of coupler angles has been added to normal longitudinal train simulation to allow comprehensive study of lateral components of coupler forces. Lateral coupler forces are then combined with centripetal inertia calculations to determine quasi-static lateral forces, quasi-static vertical forces and quasi-static bogie lateral to vertical ratio, allowing the study of stringlining, buckling and wagon rollover risks. The approach taken allows for different rolling stock lengths, overhang and coupling lengths, and allows the study of angles occurring in transitions. Wagon body and bogie pitch are also studied with enhancements added to previous modelling to allow the study of wagon lift-off.

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 Kalkers code Fastsim by replacing the constant Kalkers 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.

A review of dynamics modelling of friction draft gear

Longer and heavier trains mean larger in-train forces and more complicated force patterns. Practical experience indicates that the development of fatigue failure of coupling systems in long heavy trains may differ from conventional understanding. The friction-type draft gears are the most widely used draft gears. The ever developing heavy haul transport environment requires further or new understanding of friction draft gear behaviour and its implications for train dynamics as well as fatigue damage of rolling stock. However, modelling of friction draft gears is a highly nonlinear question. Especially the poor predictability, repeatability and the discontinuity of friction make this task more challenging. This article reviews current techniques in dynamics modelling of friction draft gears to provide a starting point that can be used to improve existing or develop new models to achieve more accurate force amplitude and pattern predictions.

Advanced dynamic modelling for friction draft gears

A white-box friction draft gear model has been developed with all components of the draft gear and their geometries considered. The conventional two-stage (loading and unloading) working process of the friction draft gear was detailed as a four-stage process. A preliminary work called the ‘base model’ was improved with regard to force–displacement characteristics, friction modelling and transitional characteristics. A set of impact test data were analysed; five types of draft gear behaviour were identified and modelled: hysteresis, stiffening, change of stage, locked unloading and softening. Simulated comparisons of three draft gear models were presented: a look-up table model, the base model and the advanced model.

Design and Simulation of Rail Vehicles

The fields of rail vehicle design, maintenance, and modification, as well as performance issues related to these types of vehicles, are examined in this text. Rail vehicle design issues and dynamic responses are analyzed, design and features of rail vehicles are described, and methods that address the operational conditions of this complex system are introduced. Both non-powered and powered rail vehicles are a focus - passenger and freight rolling stock, locomotives, and self-powered vehicles used for public transportation. Problems involved in designing and modeling all types of rail vehicles are introduced. Applications of train operations, vehicle dynamics, and track infrastructure maintenance are explored. Fundamentals of locomotive design, longitudinal train dynamics, and multibody dynamics are introduced, and co-simulation techniques are discussed. Recent advances in rail vehicle design are highlighted, and applicable standards and acceptance tests from around the world are contained.

Co-simulation of a mechatronic system using Gensys and Simulink

The design of mechatronic systems for rail vehicles requires the implementation of modern software tools. Nowadays, it is common to use co-simulation for the creation of mechatronic models. This approach is usually based on the combination of two types of software – multi-body simulation packages for mechanical models and tools for simulation of electric, control systems, etc. The existing commercial codes (SIMPACK, VI-RAIL, VAMPIRE, UM) provide different approaches for co-simulation; however, they have a lot in common. The one thing that makes them very similar is the use of Simulink for co-simulation. In this paper, we propose a description of the client interface in Simulink for co-simulation with Gensys. The evolution of the proposed approach has been performed by means of a simulation of a simplified traction control system for a hauling locomotive running on straight track conditions.

Longitudinal train dynamics: an overview

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the evolution of longitudinal train dynamics (LTD) simulations, which covers numerical solvers, vehicle connection systems, air brake systems, wagon dumper systems and locomotives, resistance forces and gravitational components, vehicle in-train instabilities, and computing schemes. A number of potential research topics are suggested, such as modelling of friction, polymer, and transition characteristics for vehicle connection simulations, studies of wagon dumping operations, proper modelling of vehicle in-train instabilities, and computing schemes for LTD simulations. Evidence shows that LTD simulations have evolved with computing capabilities. Currently, advanced component models that directly describe the working principles of the operation of air brake systems, vehicle connection systems, and traction systems are available. Parallel computing is a good solution to combine and simulate all these advanced models. Parallel computing can also be used to conduct three-dimensional long train dynamics simulations.

Simplified and advanced modelling of traction control systems of heavy-haul locomotives

Improving tractive effort is a very complex task in locomotive design. It requires the development of not only mechanical systems but also power systems, traction machines and traction algorithms. At the initial design stage, traction algorithms can be verified by means of a simulation approach. A simple single wheelset simulation approach is not sufficient because all locomotive dynamics are not fully taken into consideration. Given that many traction control strategies exist, the best solution is to use more advanced approaches for such studies. This paper describes the modelling of a locomotive with a bogie traction control strategy based on a co-simulation approach in order to deliver more accurate results. The simplified and advanced modelling approaches of a locomotive electric power system are compared in this paper in order to answer a fundamental question. What level of modelling complexity is necessary for the investigation of the dynamic behaviours of a heavy-haul locomotive running under traction? The simulation results obtained provide some recommendations on simulation processes and the further implementation of advanced and simplified modelling approaches.

Modeling of Adhesion for Railway Vehicles

This paper describes the development of a mathematical model and application of the numerical results to predict the adhesion forces between wheels and rails. The adhesion force is realized on a small area of a wheel–rail contact. Many factors have an influence on the adhesion process for these surfaces (e.g., environment, pollution, parameters and conditions of railway vehicle service, track, etc.). The paper focuses on different modelling aspects. Experimental investigation on the process of friction in the contact zone was performed. The data obtained were used to create a mathematical model. The adhesion, which is dependent on load from the wheel to the rail, temperature, friction conditions in the contact zone and wheel slip, was calculated. Finally, a quick method to determine the adhesion force between the wheels (wheel pair) of a railway vehicle and rails (rail track) is presented.

Development of a real-time bogie test rig model based on railway specialised multibody software

The design of mechatronic systems of rail vehicles requires performing verification and validation in the real-time mode. One useful validation instrument is the application of software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop or processor-in-the-loop simulation approaches. All of these approaches require development of a real-time model of the physical system. In this paper, the investigation of the usage of the model of the locomotives bogie test rig created in Gensys multibody software has been performed and the calculation time for each time step has been analysed. The verification of the possibility of the usage of such an approach for real-time simulation has been made by means of a simple data transferring process between Gensys and Simulink through the TCP/IP interface. The limitations and further development issues for the proposed approach have been discussed in this paper.