Robert Konowrocki

Condition monitoring of railway track systems by using acceleration signals on wheelset axle-boxes

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the possibilities of estimating the track condition using axle-boxes and car-bodies motions described by acceleration signals. In the paper, the results presented indicate the condition of tracks obtained from the preliminary investigation on the test track. Furthermore, the results from the supervised runs (on Polish Railway Lines) of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU-ED74) with the prototype of track quality monitoring system installed on-board are described. As Track Quality Indicator (TQI) algorithm, used in the mentioned prototype, a modified Karhunen–Loeve transformation is used in preliminary preparation of acceleration signals. The transformation is used to extract the principal dynamics from measurement data. Obtained results are compared to other methods of evaluating the geometrical track quality, namely methods, which apply the synthetic coefficient Jsynth and five parameters of defectiveness W5. The results from the investigation showed that track condition estimation is possible with acceptable accuracy for in-service use and for defining cost-effective maintenance strategies. First published online 04 September 2017

Influence of Sleepers Shape and Configuration on Track-Train Dynamics

The paper is devoted to the study of dynamical behaviour of railway tracks as continuous systems (rails) supported by periodically spaced sleepers and subjected to moving concentrated loads. Several cases of dynamical problems, where elastically supported beams are excited by a moving concentrated force, are considered. In particular, the study is focused on interactions with structure periodic in the space. Results on one-dimensional structures are extended to the case of a two-dimensional system. The problems of stopping bands, passing bands, and mistuning are also mentioned.

Experimental and Numerical Investigations for the Controlled Rotary Damper Dynamically Interacting with the Electromechanical Rotating System

In the paper dynamic electromechanical coupling between the structural model of the rotating machine drive system and the circuit model of the asynchronous motor has been investigated. By means of the computer model of the rotating machine drive system the results of experimental testing have been confirmed. From the obtained results of computations and measurements it follows that the coupling between the considered rotating system and the installed rotary dampers with the magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) results in effective energy dissipation leading to significant reduction of undesired torsional vibrations.

Semi-Active Reduction of Vibrations of Periodically Oscillating System

Periodical vibrations are common phenomenon affecting a wide range of mechanical systems. Most frequently it affects machines designed to work in a steady-state conditions like: turbine, pump, rail vehicle, etc. In those kinds of machines it is always possible to decompose the system motion to basic average-speed constant component and oscillatory component. Usually the second term is treated as undesirable and various techniques are applied in order to minimize it as far as it is possible. These techniques refers to both the hardware selection – meaning the type of damping system (active, semi-active, passive) and the control method selection – meaning the damping system control method. Concerning the control methods, there are many algorithms available in literature devoted to transient systems. One of typical application is to use them in systems experiencing sudden, external force excitation. After destabilization of the system, caused by excitation, the role of the control algorithm is to restore the system stable position and additionally to reach the extreme of some additional criterion. Typical criterions are minimization of the time, of restoring the stable position, minimizing the consumed control energy, etc. On the other hand, considering the steady-state systems, especially based on semi-active damping elements, there are not so many control methods available.This paper focuses on developing the proper methodology for deriving the optimal control strategy of semi-active damping element, to be used in periodically vibrating mechanical system. The control strategy is developed on the basis of the Optimal Control Theory. Numerical computations are involved in order to solve the optimal control problem for the considered test system. Problem solution reveals the periodical nature of optimal control function.

Modeling and Dynamic Analysis of the Precise Electromechanical Systems Driven by the Stepping Motors

In the paper there is investigated electromechanical dynamic interaction between the driving stepping motor and the driven laboratory belt-transporter system imitating an operation of the robotic device in the form of working tool-carrier under translational motion. The considerations are performed by means of the circuit model of the electric motor and the discrete, non-linear model of the mechanical system. In the computational examples various scenarios of the working tool-carrier motion and positioning by the belt-transporter are simulated.

Influence of Various Control Strategies on Transient Torsional Vibrations of Rotor-Machines Driven by Asynchronous Motors

In the paper, a dynamic electromechanical interaction between the selected kind of rotating machines and their driving electric motors is investigated. These are the high-speed beater mills and crushers as well as blowers, pumps and compressors, all driven by the asynchronous motors through elastic couplings with linear and non-linear characteristics. In particular, there is considered an influence of negative electromagnetic damping generated by the motor on a possibility of excitation of resonant torsional vibrations. Moreover, for the asynchronous motor in transient and steady-state operating conditions, there are tested several control strategies which are based on the closed-loop vector and scalar principles. The theoretical calculations have been performed by means of the advanced structural mechanical models. Conclusions drawn from the computational results can be very useful during a design phase of these devices as well as helpful for their users during a regular maintenance.