Loading simulation and lifetime evaluation of automatic coupler in extreme environment

Abstract

Data analysis of train haulage in various climatic regions of Russia shows that cases of coupler fractures of cars and locomotives with loss of connection with the train and with occurrence of potentially dangerous situations are not uncommon. This is aggravated by the difficulties of damageability identification of the rolling stock automatic couplers and possibility of their brittle fracture during the winter period of operation at low negative temperatures. This paper describes an approach to assessing the lifetime of automatic coupling units according to the deformation criteria of damageability of metal structures. The proposed approach is based on the combination of software envelopes of modeling of the train haulage longitudinal dynamics and the assessment of the static and dynamic stresses arising in this case in coupling units. The analysis of the coupler lifetime according to the results of these research stages is carried out using methods and programs for assessing fatigue damageability and with determining the period of safe operation.