A Simulation Investigation on the Dynamic Behavior of Wheelset Bearings Caused by Wheel Diameter Difference

Abstract

AbstractA bearing‐vehicle‐track coupling dynamic model is built in this paper and the validity of the model is proved by comparing the simulation data with the theoretical data. Based on this model, the influence of wheel diameter difference (WDD) on the dynamic behavior of wheelset bearing is studied. The results demonstrate that when the bogie has a rear WDD, lateral displacement (LaD) of the front wheelset is the smallest. When the bogie has an anti‐phase WDD, LaD of the rear wheelset is the smallest, while when the bogie has an in‐phase WDD, LaD of the front and rear wheelsets is the largest, and LaD of the front and rear WDD is between the two, which is in line with the theoretical analysis results. Compared with LaD results of the wheelset bearing outer raceway under normal conditions, when the wheel has a diameter difference, LaD distance of the outer race increases with the WDD increasing, and the frequency of lateral movement also increases with the increase against the WDD gradation. The high‐frequency and large‐distance lateral movement of the wheelset bearing outer race under the WDD will increase the roller‐outer raceway force, and accelerate the failure of the bearing.