Abstract
The study deals with an application of aluminum foam as an energy-absorbing material for the carrying structure of a rail car. The material is particularly recommended for circular tube carrying structures. The authors conducted mathematical modeling of dynamic loads on the carrying structure of an open wagon that faces shunting impacts with consideration of the center sill filled with aluminum foam. It was established that the maximum accelerations on the carrying structure of an open wagon were 35.7 m/s2, which was 3.5% lower in comparison with those for a circular tube structure without a filler. The results obtained were proved by computer modeling. The strength of the carrying structure of an open wagon was also calculated. It was established that aluminum foam applied as a filler for the center sill decreased the maximum equivalent stresses in the carrying structure of an open wagon by about 5% and displacements by 12% in comparison with those involving the circular tube carrying structure of an open wagon without a filler. The natural frequencies and the oscillation modes of the carrying structure of an open wagon were defined. The designed models of the dynamic loading of the carrying structure of an open wagon were verified with an F-test.
Highlights
The leading position in the global transportation market can be maintained in the rail industry by introducing new innovative engineering solutions in terms of the design at wagon manufacturing facilities
The calculation was made in the case when the longitudinal loading on the carrying structure of an open wagon was P = 3.5 MN [26,28]
Mathematical modeling of dynamic loads on the carrying structure of an open wagon was conducted with consideration of aluminum foam as the filler for the center sill
Summary
The leading position in the global transportation market can be maintained in the rail industry by introducing new innovative engineering solutions in terms of the design at wagon manufacturing facilities. Improvements and optimization solutions for the carrying structure of a rail car require particular attention This requires optimal characteristics of the carrying structure in terms of material intensity, and the application of non-typical materials that enable us to decrease the tare weight and comply, at the same time, with the required strength characteristics. The issue of lower operational dynamic loading enables us to reduce the damage in the carrying structure, satisfy the requirements for dynamics and strength within the normative values, extend the life cycle of cars, etc. This can be reached by applying energyabsorbing materials in the carrying structures of rail cars. Substantiating the application of aluminum foam for carrying the structures of rail cars is an urgent task nowadays
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