Research on Curving Performance of a Bogie with Independently Rotating Wheels

Independently rotating wheels which have no hunting motion in theory have a high critical speed in straight track , noises between wheel and rail may be removed in the sharp curve because longitudinal creepage of independently rotating wheels may be eliminated. But since independently rotating wheels have no turning moment resulting from longitudinal creepage, independently rotating wheels lack guiding ability and can but basically depend on flange to guide. Curving performance is one of important topics on the vehicle dynamics. Because of inputting of all kinds of interfering factors, complicated forces will cause between wheel and rail, and curving performance will be affected importantly when the vehicle run from straight track to curve, especially mitigate curve. In this paper, the dynamic calculating model of a vehicle with independently rotating wheels are established. The dynamic responses of a bogie with independently rotating wheels and traditional wheelsets are calculated respectively by using numerical simulation to the whole process that the vehicle negotiates the curve at a constant speed. Dynamics of the two bogies such as lateral force between wheel and rail, derailing stability and wear etc, are compared., the existent problem that a bogie with independently rotating wheels negotiates the curve is put forward.