Improvement of locomotive wheelset guidance to optimise operating characteristics

Abstract

This paper deals with spring suspension influence on realization of traction and braking characteristics as well as vehicle curve fitting. An analysis of some construction diagrams of wheelset guidance with state-of-the-art locomotive bogie was performed. Efficiency of the original technical solutions being proposed was estimated using mathematical models created. The solutions proposed are to allow effective load redistribution among wheelsets under traction and braking modes, lowering wear of the ridges of wheel bands, and it is to allow decreasing of creeping angle and wear at curve track sections and returning of wheelsets to their original positions when coming out of curve track section. Tests of pilot unit loading of which was close to real operation conditions were performed using special full-scale test bench. Optimum parameters of wheelset guidance with bogie were determined.