Effects of Mechanical Wheel Slide Protection Devices Action on Railway Vehicles Braking Process

Abstract

The paper investigates the effects of mechanical wheel slide protection devices (WSPD) on the braking capacity for coaches equipped with disc or cast iron block brakes. Decelerations and jerks, that affect the passengers comfort, are also analyzed. An original simulation program, based on experimentally determined air pressure evolutions in brake cylinder is used for this purpose. Results of numerical simulations show that in the case of repeated actuations of mechanical WSPDs, disc brake vehicles are more affected in terms of braking capacity. Regarding jerks during braking actions, in both normal and low adhesion conditions, vehicles equipped with high power cast iron block brake with two pressure levels prove to be more affected.