Proof tests of geometric-kinematic calculations of railway vehicles

Abstract

Geometric-kinematic calculations and experimental proof tests of the mutual position of assemblies and sub-assemblies of wagons that are in relative displacement are significant in developing new types of railway vehicles and especially in the application of non-standard solutions. In the case of standard types of wagons and standard solutions, compliance with the recommended geometric dimensions and parameters of the vehicle should guarantee that even in extreme positions there will be no irregular contact between moving parts of the rail vehicle. This is especially important if it is necessary to place some elements or parts of the wagon’s equipment in the zone of wheelsets and in the zone of the connection between the bogies and the car body. This check can be carried out using graphic-analytical methods, according to the methodology given in the relevant EN standards, ORE reports, and AVV publications, and the limit values of the angular and translational coordinates of the moving parts. Verification of these calculations and verification of the derived state can be done by simulating these movements on the vehicle prototype itself or using a mock-up. This paper presents limit values and proof tests, for checking the mutual position of the running gear and the vehicle car body of a tank wagon car type Zacns. The test was performed using a transfer table for simulating the rotation of bogies relative to the car body in the horizontal plane and by using pads placed under wheels for simulating rotation in the vertical plane. The check was performed by visual inspection and by distance measurements.