Clamping anti-derailment devices for high-speed trains

Abstract

Ensuring the stability of high-speed trains under earthquake or crosswind hazards is essential for maintaining operation safety. Traditional anti-derailment methods, like guardrails and barrier walls, require extensive construction, leading to high costs and only take effect after the derailment. This study proposes a novel solution involving Clamping Anti-Derailment Device (CADD) mounted on train bogies to catch the track in hazardous conditions. Seven full scale CADD prototypes underwent monotonic pull-out loading tests, and a numerical model was developed to analyse their failure mechanisms. After model validation, parametric analyses were performed, and a theoretical model was established to simplify the load–displacement relationship of the devices. Additionally, a train-track dynamic model was constructed to assess the CADD performance under wind loads. The results showed that: (1) A CADD can provide 131.10 kN, and a pair of devices installed on each bogie is sufficient to resist the self-gravity of a single car. (2) The primary failure mode was the outward expansion of cantilever hook plate’s bottom end, causing no damage to the rail or bogie; (3) Under a 25 m/s crosswind at 350 km/h, the derailment coefficient decreased by 16.25 %. and under a 20 m/s crosswind at same speed, the wheel load reduction rate decreased by 8.16 %. The results demonstrate the potential of the CADD to enhance the safety and stability of high-speed trains under extreme conditions. Furthermore, a theoretical load–displacement model for the CADD was derived, providing a basis for future updates to the wheel-rail contact relationship in train-track-bridge coupled systems incorporating novel CADD.