Simulation of wheel heating when drum braking

Abstract

Application of heating control systems is rational for effective prevention of thermal-mechanical damages of the wheels and brake shoes of rolling stock. These systems enable to perform diagnosis of brake equipment elements and to evaluate the effectiveness of drum braking process in terms of wheel heating. The present study aims to assess wheel heating when drum braking and to define the most informative zones and threshold control values for heating control systems. Heating evaluation is conducted using finite element method under different braking modes. Research results are given as heating patterns in solid-rolled wheel of freight car; the influence of the air distributor mode on the wheel heating is considered, the most informative zones for heating control are identified.