Influence of switches and crossings on wheel profile evolution in freight vehicles

Abstract

PostprintThis is the accepted version of a paper published in Vehicle System Dynamics. This paper has been peer-reviewed but does not include the final publisher proof-corrections or journal pagination.Citation for the original published paper (version of record):Casanueva, C., Doulgerakis, E., Jönsson, P., Stichel, S. (2014) Influence of switches and crossings on wheel profile evolution in freight vehicles. Vehicle System Dynamics AbstractWheel reprofiling costs for freight vehicles are a major issue in Sweden, reducing the profitability of freight traffic operations and therefore hindering the modal shift needed for achieving reduced emissions. In order to understand the damage modes in freight vehicles, uniform wear prediction with Archard's wear law has been studied in a two axle timber transport wagon, and simulation results have been compared to measurements. Challenges of wheel wear prediction in freight wagons are discussed, including the influence of block brakes and switches and crossings. The latter have a major influence on the profile evolution of this case study, so specific simulations are performed and a thorough discussion is carried out.

Prediction of RCF and wear evolution of iron-ore locomotive wheels

“…In the current study we neglected this effect. However, in [27] the problem is investigated and the possibilities of considering the effect of switches and crossings on the wheel profile evolution are shown.…”

On integrated wheel and track damage prediction using vehicle–track dynamic simulations

“…The damage generated in this case, though, can be considered as a uniform damage when looking from the perspective of the whole system. 33 Wheel flats. Wheel flats are ground-off areas of the wheel tread with the shape of a flat, oval surface, caused when the wheelsets are locked while the vehicle is running, which is usually related to an unintended brake performance.…”

“…The best example of the nonuniform damage-inducing component is switches and crossings, where the evaluation of wear and tear needs to be accounted for the rail profile that varies significantly in one wheel turn. 33 In fact, this means that for the nonuniform wear the coupling with large distances should be carefully accounted for when including them in an integrated calculation model.…”

“…It is also important to use the irregularity data containing wavelengths covering all the relevant frequencies of the investigated vehicle. The accuracy of the damage prediction can be very dependent on the precision of the inputs, 33,43 thus making the source of the input data, its precision and quality, and pre-processing a critical starting point for the whole process.…”

Dynamics of railway freight vehicles

“…Tunna and Urban [69] carried out a parametric study to quantify the effects of various freight vehicle parameters on the generation of RCF. Three different freight suspensions wer considered: an enhanced three-piece bogie, a rigid-frame bogie with primary suspension, and a two-axle vehicle with leaf springs.…”