Effect of the combined centre of gravity on the running safety of freight wagons

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an analysis of loaded freight wagon dynamics in curve alignments. We investigate the effects of the combined centre of gravity (CCOG) on the running safety of freight wagons and examine proper position of the CCOG. A simple wagon-rail model is implemented using the multibody dynamics software ADAMS/Rail. The simulation model is operated on curve tracks with various radii and velocities and the curving performances are evaluated. The results indicate that the CCOG can be located within a flexible and accurate range. The longitudinal offset is good for the curving performance and the permissible lateral offset should be assessed based on the curve radius and cant deficiency.

KEYWORDS:

• Freight wagon
• combined centre of gravity
• running safety
• wagon-rail dynamics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Key R&D Plan of China [grant number 2017YFB1200701]. We acknowledge the support of the Railways Technology Development Plan of China Railway Corporation [grant number 2016X008-J].