Dynamic characteristics and friction torque design method for bogies with friction coupling independently rotating wheelsets

Abstract

ABSTRACT Friction coupling independently rotating wheelsets have advantages of both rigid wheelsets and independently rotating wheelsets. These wheelsets have self-steering ability on straight lines and large curves. They can also reduce the wear of wheels. The analytical relationship between the friction torque and the lateral displacement of wheelsets was deduced in this study based on motion characteristics of the ideal constraints, including a single wheelset and a friction coupling bogie. Further, the method involving the friction coupling torque with the goal of lateral displacement was presented, and the linear and nonlinear dynamic verification models were established. A linear relationship was found between the friction torque and the lateral displacement of a single wheelset through theoretical analysis and simulation model. When passing a large curve, the front and rear wheelsets in a friction coupling bogie had three states: slip-slip, slip-stick and stick-stick. The proposed method determined the friction torque and accurately controlled the lateral displacement of wheelsets. The dynamic performance of friction coupling bogies was between the performance of a rigid wheelset and that of independently rotating wheelsets, thus effectively relieving the wear of wheel flange.