Abstract
This paper presents a method for simulating multi-rigid-body collisions to investigate the performance of oblique collisions and motion after derailment in freight trains. Oblique collisions between trains and obstacles can pose serious safety risks, and lateral displacement of the wheels and wheel rise are identified as root causes of derailment. The study demonstrates that an anti-derailment device can significantly improve the safety zone of the derailment boundary, expanding it to twice its original size, thereby protecting the train from derailment in case of frontal oblique collisions. When the train collides with a 15-ton obstacle at an angle of 15° at 40 km/h, under the action of the anti-derailment device, the derailment coefficient decreased from 3.61 to 0.93 and the wheel rise decreased from 72.7 mm to 27 mm. Passing ability tests and derailment tests of the K6 bogie equipped with the device have been conducted to confirm that the device does not affect the normal operation of the freight train and evaluate the restraining effect of the device on the bogie during derailment.
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Railway Engineering Construction Standards Project of China National Railway Group Co., Ltd. [2022JS003].
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Tianyu Zhuo
Tianyu Zhuo Doctoral candidate, School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University. His research interest covers multi-body coupling collision safety protection technology for trains.
Weiyu Guan
Weiyuan Guan Lecturer of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Doctor of Engineering. His research interest covers multi-body coupling collision safety protection technology for trains.
Yao Yu
Yao Yu Doctoral candidate, School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University. His research interest covers multi-body coupling collision safety protection technology for trains.
Guangjun Gao
Guangjun Gao Professor of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Doctor of Engineering. His research interest covers multi-body coupling collision safety protection technology for trains and aerodynamics for rail transit. Corresponding author of this paper.