Dynamic characteristics analysis of gear transmission and its support bearings of high-speed train on the curve

Abstract

The gear transmission in high-speed trains is crucial for transmitting the traction torque. Its dynamic characteristics impact the system's reliability and safety. Additionally, the gear transmission and its support bearings can be affected by wheel-rail interactions, particularly on curves with larger centrifugal forces. To address this, a spatial vehicle-track coupled dynamics model that considers the complete power transmission path and mechanical structure of the gear transmission is proposed. The model considers factors such as time-varying mesh stiffness, dynamic transmission error (DTE), time-varying support stiffness, and internal interactions of the gearcase bearing. Results indicate that when a high-speed train passes through a curve, the derailment coefficient and lateral force of the wheelset are less on the right curve due to the lateral component of the mesh force, but the opposite occurs on the left curve. The centrifugal effect affects the contributions of the lateral and vertical motions of the gear pair, which are balanced by the torsional motions of the components in the power transmission path. Additionally, the internal interactions between the rolling elements and races are intensified due to track irregularity and gear engagement, but the centrifugal effect of the pinion can be ignored.