Fuzzy logic creep control for a 2D locomotive dynamic model under transient wheel-rail contact conditions

Abstract

In recent decades, advanced power-electronics-based control techniques have been widely used to electric drives for the traction of modern locomotives. However, the dynamic response of such locomotives under transient conditions due to external perturbations has not been fully investigated. In this work, an integrated dynamic model for a typical Co-Co locomotive/track system is developed to provide predictive simulations of the motion and forces transmitted throughout the whole locomotive dynamic system. The model integrates a 2D longitudinal-vertical locomotive structural vibration model, wheel/rail contact mechanics using Polach's creep force model, a simplified dynamic traction model and a fuzzy logic creep controller to simulate the transient response to a change in friction conditions. It is found that the proposed fuzzy logic controller has the advantage over a PI controller in terms of achieving higher tractive force under transient contact conditions.