Abstract
This article aims to contribute an integrated solution for the design and test of railway bogies, so that the demands of each new design can be validated by computing. Nowadays, official approval regulations demand experimental tests on real prototypes. Three different kinds of tests are required. Trying to substitute these tests by simulations on a finite element method (FEM) model, two main troubles appear. (1) Strain gauges used in experimental tests must be substituted by a FEM entity that provides similar results as long as official standard regulations can be applied to them. (2) Current FEM codes present several problems simulating fatigue phenomenon. In this article, a new type of finite element, called virtual strain gauge, is proposed. Results obtained by this element can be treated as experimental results, as long as they are much similar to strain gauges results than other typical FEM ones. Fatigue testing may be reduced when greater experience is acquired with virtual strain gauges. However, it will always play a key role in final test with real prototypes, pinpointing errors in materials, manufacture, and welding. This work concludes that, using virtual strain gauges, experimental tests can be drastically reduced by replacing them with FEM simulations. An example of an MSP railway bogie is analysed to illustrate theoretical results.
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Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit
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