Analysis of the braking performance of a rail vehicle emphasizing mechatronic components†

Abstract

For the development of mechatronic components for railway vehicles, suitable methods, processes and tools have to be applied. As an example, the use of these methods and tools for the design of a wheelslide protection system will be addressed in this article. Modern simulation techniques for mechatronic systems enable more unique versions of the implemented algorithm on the controller hardware and in the design and simulation test environment. To simulate the braking behaviour of a railway vehicle, creep force characteristics at different friction conditions have been shaped out from measurements and implemented in the multi-body simulation program SIMPACK. As statements from pure off-line simulations of the braking performance of a rail vehicle are limited, a roller rig has been designed that enables tests and improvements of a wheelslide protection controller. Finally, only practical field tests can prove the function of a new developed system. Following the V-model for the design process of mechatronic systems, results from integrated off-line simulations, tests on a single-wheel roller rig and field tests will be explained. †This article includes words that are asserted to be a proprietary term or trade mark. Its inclusion does not imply it has acquired for legal purposes a non-proprietary or general significance, nor is any other judgement implied concerning its legal status.