Investigation of the Strength and Dynamic Load on a Wagon Covered with Tarpaulin for 1520 mm Gauge Lines

Abstract

Higher efficiency of rail transportation at the present stage of development of the transport industry necessitates the creation and introduction of rail vehicles with improved technical and economic characteristics among which is reduced tare weight. The issue of reducing the tare weight of wagons is quite urgent. It deals not only with the sprung mass of the wagon but also with the load on the rail track, which is under the influence of constant cyclic loads. Therefore, the present study deals with the development of a wagon covered with tarpaulin for carrying goods requiring protection against the environment. The loads inherent for operation on 1520 mm gauge lines are considered. The covered wagon mod. 11-217 is chosen as a prototype. The profiles of the covered wagon frame components are selected according to the moment of resistance of their cross-sections. It is found that the proposed design has a 16% lower tare weight than that of the prototype. The results of the strength calculation for the wagon under the main design operating modes have proved the feasibility of its structural design. The motion of the covered wagon over a track irregularity has been assessed as ‘excellent’. The results of the study will contribute to the creation of recommendations for the development of modern structures of covered wagons as well as improve the efficiency of railway transportation.