A force/stiffness equivalence method for the scaled modelling of a high-speed train head car

Abstract

Research using a scaled model train is a fast and efficient method to study train collisions, and can shorten the product development cycle and reduce the test cost. Owing to the large number of thin-walled structures in high-speed train, the particularity determines that the high-speed train cannot be scaled simply according to the similitude theory. This study proposes a new method of force/stiffness equivalence-scaled modelling for high-speed trains, which can also be used for the scaled modelling of a prototype composed of thin-walled structures. An initial scaled model of a head car was established by scaling the energy absorbing part and undeforming part in a full-scale prototype. Numerical simulations indicated that the relationships among deformation, acceleration, and energy absorption are similar in the initial scaled model and prototype; however, a certain error occurs between the initial scaled model and prototype. Using a multi-objective genetic optimisation algorithm, a corrected scaled model was obtained based on the initial model. Finally, a numerical simulation and crash test of the corrected scaled model were performed. Compared to the results of the prototype test, the maximum error of the average acceleration in the corrected scaled model’s numerical simulation and crash test are 3.1% and 5.5%, respectively. The results indicate that this new method can be used for the scaled modelling of a prototype composed of thin-walled structures.