Abstract
This paper presents a design, a numerical analysis, a build-up and dynamic testing of an engineered and fabricated wheel with a passive vibration damping system designed for a roller coaster system. Taking into account the limited amount of space for fixing a wheel to a roller-coaster, this study shows an approach in which a special wheel design and viscoelastic inserts are used to reduce vibrations. A wheel comprises a rim and hub separated by a viscoelastic material and simultaneously connected by using spring steel fasteners with contractions ensuring elasticity. The dynamic tests of the wheel with a passive vibration damping system were completed with an assessment of the vibration reduction ratio in comparison to conventional roller coaster wheel types currently operated at the amusement park Energylandia located in Zator, Poland. Laboratory test results show reduction of vibrations by 36 % in the low frequency range, by 63 % in the medium frequency range and by 45 % in the high frequency range.
Highlights
This paper concerns the design engineering and dynamic testing of a prototype wheel with a passive vibration damping system intended for operation on a roller coaster vehicle
To assure an impartial assessment of the design principle, factors were defined to assess the vibration reduction ratios resulting from the application of the wheel with a passive vibration damping system
The completed tests and analyses led to the conclusion that the application of the wheel with the vibration damping system may:
Summary
This paper concerns the design engineering and dynamic testing of a prototype wheel with a passive vibration damping system intended for operation on a roller coaster vehicle. These load types affect the structural strength and material fatigue of the wheels, leading to the propagation of structural component wear, mainly of the rolling bearings. In another paper [11], the authors examined properties of rubber materials used as inserts pressed between discs and rims of rail vehicle wheels in order to reduce vibrations Conclusions resulting from these studies show that using springy wheels with elastic inserts has a positive impact on reduction of vibrations by dispersing their energy. Taking into account the limited amount of space for fixing a wheel to a roller-coaster, this study shows an approach in which a special wheel design and viscoelastic inserts are used to reduce vibrations
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