Multibody dynamic analysis of vibrational and frictional energy for railway freight wagons under different track irregularities and curve radii

Better understanding of wagon energy consumptions is important for energy efficient wagon operations and designs. This study carries outs a computational study via multibody dynamic analysis of vibrational and frictional energy dissipation across different track conditions and suspension configurations. Detailed multibody dynamic railway wagon modelling and a combination of simulations considering different wagon speeds, track irregularities, suspension types, and curve radii were developed by using the GENSYS software package. Energy dissipation analyses for all suspension and frictional components were carried out. The results indicate that worse track irregularities lead to greater energy dissipation (28 % more from Class 6 to 3). Higher speeds and sharper curves amplified the influences of track irregularities and gave larger energy consumption variables. Individual energy consumer wise, wheel-rail contact (WRC) consistently accounts for the largest proportion of energy loss (51–57 %); roller bearings come second (32–43 %). Generally variable wedge suspensions consume less energy (about 46 % and 15 MJ less, on average). However, the corresponding WRC consume more energy than constant wedge suspensions cases (10 % and 26 MJ more, on average). This indicates that the damping performance of wedge suspensions significantly influences the energy consumptions at WRC.