SOME ASPECTS OF DIESEL HYDRAULICS

Present trends, and features are described of the 270 large diesel-hydraulic locomotives now at work or under construction in Western Europe. Growing experience has demonstrated the superior traction characteristics of hydraulic transmission in the heaviest drag freight working in handling heavy passenger and freight trains without any damage or strain to engine or transmission components, and with less danger to drawgear components down the train. Efficiencies of electric and hydraulic transmissions vary very little over the whole speed and power range. The effect of the inefficiency in a electric transmission builds up a cumulative heat effect so that a diesel-electric locomotive cannot sustain high tractive efforts at low track speeds for long periods. A diesel-electric locomotive does not show a continuous rated tractive effort of more than 16 to 17 percent at the drawbar; the speed at which that tractive effort is exerted is commonly 20 to 32 percent of top track speed. Diesel-hydraulic line-service locomotives commonly have continuous rated tractive efforts at the drawbar equal to 22 to 27 percent adhesion, and at no more than 13 to 16 percent of top speed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Voith Getriebe KG

  Heidenheim,   Germany 
• Publication Date: 1959-9

Media Info

• Features: Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 3-8
• Serial:
  • Diesel Railway Traction

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axles; Diesel locomotives; Locomotives; Motors; Technology; Transmissions; Vehicle design
• Geographic Terms: Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Yugoslavia
• Old TRIS Terms: Axle design; Locomotive design
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037808
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 4 1994 12:00AM