Feasibility in assessing the dipped rail joint defects through dynamic response of heavy haul locomotive

Abstract

The feasibility of monitoring the dipped rail joint defects has been theoretically investigated by simulating a locomotive-mounted acceleration system negotiating several types of dipped rail defects. Initially, a comprehensive locomotive-track model was developed using the multi-body dynamics approach. In this model, the locomotive car-body, bogie frames, wheelsets and driving motors are considered as rigid bodies; track modelling was also taken into account. A quantitative relationship between the characteristics (peak-peak values) of the axle box accelerations and the rail defects was determined through simulations. Therefore, the proposed approach, which combines defect analysis and comparisons with theoretical results, will enhance the ability for long-term monitoring and assessment of track systems and provides more informed preventative track maintenance strategies.

Pareto-Based Maintenance Decisions for Regional Railways With Uncertain Weld Conditions Using the Hilbert Spectrum of Axle Box Acceleration

“…By having a dynamic response, valuable information about welds can be acquired. A technology capable of (1) shortwave irregularity detection and (2) the capture of the dynamic response of welds is needed [16]. ABA measurement systems with these capabilities have been reported in different countries: the detection of lateral and vertical track irregularities in Korea [17]; the evaluation of wheel load fluctuation and rolling noise in Japan [18]; the detection of corrugations in Poland [19] and Italy [20]; the detection of rolling contact fatigue defects, damaged welds, and insulated joints in the Netherlands ( [21], [22]); and the analysis of vertical track geometry in Spain [23].…”