Control structures for rail vehicles using active steering technology

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, an analytical method based on a linear single bogie model was used to investigate the mechanism of active steering for three control structures: wheelset yaw control (WYC), wheelset lateral control (WLC), and bogie yaw control (BYC). The results revealed that the WYC structure reduced both circumferential and axial wear, whereas the WLC and BYC structures mainly reduced circumferential wear, and BYC was ineffective when the primary lateral stiffness was low. Moreover, the impact of external forces on the control quantity was investigated by using a nonlinear full-vehicle model, with the wheelset unbalanced moment having the largest impact. Subsequently, the adaptation of the WYC and BYC structures to two control modes, namely, force and displacement control, was analysed. The results showed that for the WYC, the displacement control mode was favoured, whereas for the BYC, the force control mode was the sole alternative. Finally, the control efficiency was determined, with the WYC being recommended for low primary longitudinal stiffness and BYC for higher stiffness.