DEVELOPMENT OF A SIMULATION METHODOLOGY FOR OPTIMIZING LOCOMOTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

The dynamic response of a six-axle locomotive subjected to vertical and/or lateral track irregularities is analyzed by a 30 degree-of-freedom locomotive model. This model, which is currently partially validated, will soon be available to Track-Train Dynamics participants. The hunting speeds of the locomotive, and variable relative stiffnesses between primary and secondary suspensions, are evaluated using a 21 degree-of-freedom, Lateral Stability Model. The effects of primary and secondary suspension stiffness on the dynamic and tractive characteristics of the locomotive are studied. A methodology for selecting the primary and secondary locomotive truck suspension stiffnesses, which provide "optimum" tractive effort and minimize the undesirable behavior, is presented.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contributed by the Rail Transportation Division of the ASME for presentation at the Joint ASME-IEEE Railroad Conference held in Washington, D.C., March 30-April 1, 1977.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  Two Park Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5990
• Authors:
  • Garg, V K
  • Hawthorne, K L
  • Chang, E H
  • Hartmann, P W
• Publication Date: 1977-3-30

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 13 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adhesion; Defects; Hunting (Dynamics); Locomotives; Mathematical models; Railroad tracks; Simulation; Suspension systems; Three axle trucks; Train track dynamics; Trucks
• Old TRIS Terms: Six axle locomotives; Six wheel trucks; Track irregularities
• Subject Areas: Motor Carriers; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00152427
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Report/Paper Numbers: Paper 77-RT-6 Conf Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 11 1977 12:00AM