Method for Torsional Vibrations Detection of Locomotive Wheelset Based on Unscented Kalman Filter

Torsional vibrations that occur between masses in mechanical systems are undesirable and should be limited. The torsional vibrations are limited in many industrial applications by a control of a dynamic electric drive. However, the torsional vibrations which occur in locomotives axles are different because the vibrations emergence mainly depends on an adhesion conditions change or external sources that are present on the track. The paper presents a method for the torsional vibrations detection and suppression. The detection method is based on an unscented Kalman filter that is simultaneously used as a part of the slip controller that can limit the torsional vibrations besides wheels slip control that is the primary purpose of the slip controller. The method verification is made on the simulations.