A SIMPLE DYNAMIC MODEL FOR SIMULATING DRAFT-GEAR BEHAVIOR IN RAIL-CAR IMPACTS

A new, simple dynamic model is developed for use in simulating draft-gear behavior in rail-car impacts. The model is based on an analysis of the individual components inside several types of draft gears. The transition from kinetic to static friction during the impact is included. Comparisons with drop-hammer tests and full-scale impacts show good agreement with the experimental forces and deflection. In particular two very important phenomena are correctly simulated: 1) the rise in force just before maximum travel, and 2) the stick-slip-grab phenomenon during impact.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contributed by the Rail Transportation Division of ASME for presentation at the Rail Transportation Conference, St. Paul, Minnesota, April 11-12, 1978.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  Two Park Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5990
• Authors:
  • Hsu, T-K
  • Peters, D A
• Publication Date: 1978

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 5 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Couplers; Cushioning materials; Dynamic tests; Equipment tests; Force; Gears; Impacts; Mathematical models; Train track dynamics; Vehicle components
• Uncontrolled Terms: Draft gears; Dynamic analysis; Performance analysis
• Old TRIS Terms: Cushioning; Draft gear tests; Slack action
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00173778
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Report/Paper Numbers: 78-RT-2 Conf Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 26 1978 12:00AM