Control of energy aspects of track and rolling stock interaction

Abstract

The paper analyses international practices of energy saving for train traction. It describes methods that allow decrease of power consumption. Russian practices of energy consumption for train traction are reviewed, as well as methods for determining the power consumption related to condition of track layout geometry. Best practices of evaluation of impact of profile elevation unevenness to the train traction energy consumption are presented. The calculations that allow matching the data on track geometry before and after track maintenance works are performed, and the convictions concerning cost reduction for train traction energy saving are developed.

Influence of change in frictional condition of track rail surfaces on interaction forces in the “wheel/rail” contact

“…Based on the obtained results, the frictional condition of the rail surface, that decreases the axial and lateral forces in the wheel/rail contact zone that appear when the freight train is passing the curved tracks, is the lubrication of the running surface of the interior track rail. It is recommended to use this method for excessive gradients in the curves with the radius up to 1,200 m to reduce intensity of the corrugated and side rail wear, increase the track stability in plan and in profile, as well as reduce costs for haulage of trains [16] and infrastructure maintenance.…”