DYNAMIC LOADING AT RAIL JOINTS--EFFECT OF RESILIENT WHEELS

This study of a simplified vehicle model passing over an idealised dipped rail joint using values applying to a BR Class 86 locomotive shows that resilient wheels give an equivalent reduction in unsprung axle mass of 2,500 kg. The following conclusions were made: The suggested model for a broadened analysis of the vertical response of vehicle and track at a dipped rail joint is workable and produces dynamic wheel load values which are in full agreement with observed data. Fitting a Class 86 locomotive with resilient wheels will have the effect of reducing the dynamic wheel load increment at severe dipped rail joints by some 40 percent. The effect of resilient wheels on a Class 86 locomotive--based on the dynamic loading at rail joints--is equivalent to a reduction of the unsprung mass from 4,200 kg to 1,700 kg on the leading axle. Thus the results of the analysis suggest that a power-unit comprising axle-hung motors and resilient wheels is a highly competitive alternative to conventional, mechanically complicated and expensive arrangements used to obtain fully-suspended traction motors.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • Bjork, J
• Publication Date: 1970-6-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 430-434
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 126
  • Issue Number: 11

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamic loads; Dynamics; Locomotives; Motors; Rail joints; Railroad rails; Suspensions; Technology; Train track dynamics; Velocity; Wheel loads; Wheels
• Geographic Terms: Switzerland; United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040078
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 22 1976 12:00AM