Evaluation of the Danger of Wheel Lift for Empty Cars in Heavy Trains during Shunting Collisions and Transient Modes of Movement

Abstract

The increase in the transit and carrying capacity of cargo intensive sections and directions of railways is achieved by introducing into circulation of cargo trains of increased weight and length, which in turn leads to a change in longitudinal dynamics of movement and emergence of additional loads on rolling stock and the railway track.In this regard in relation to Russian conditions, to ensure the required volumes of transportation with a preset level of safety, it is necessary to revise the current standards designed for maximum longitudinal compression forces of 50 tf, which are currently more than doubled in heavy trains.Based on the analysis of existing regulatory documents, domestic and foreign experience, it was possible to substantiate the necessity to improve the longitudinal dynamics of trains and to propose some ways to achieve it. are proposed. The simulation of collision of a free running platform wagon with standard draft gears of Sh-1-TM type with a gondola cars’ cut also equipped with standard draft gears of Sh-1-TM type was carried out to identify accident modes. The study has allowed to conclude on the expediency of increasing the energy intensity of draft gear through new design solutions, as well as on reducing longitudinal forces through adoption of floating centre beams.