Abstract
The longitudinal train action is an important problem for railway administrations with a large number of mountain routes. To investigate this problem, the computer simulation programme SIMULAT was developed at the request of Osterreichische Bundesbahnen. The programme is capable of simulating the running of train units of any desired configuration on all routes normally encountered with free choice of the power and braking controls. The coupling devices are modelled with a high degree of accuracy, especially the response of the compression springs. In contrast to comparable programmes, SIMULAT allows to investigate the dynamics of train units during negotiation of curves and on any desired grades under due consideration of the conditions in the couplers. The response of long piggyback trains (rolling highway) on mountain routes was simulated, with the required third locomotive being coupled either as centre locomotive or as banking locomotive. The cases of a locomotive emergency stop and braking were investigated on various route sections at various speeds. The analysis revealed a distinctly better response for the pushing mode than for trains using a centre locomotive. In the pushing mode, the longitudinal compression forces remain at the level of undisturbed running even in the case of higher vibration excitations.
| Translated title of the contribution | Simulating the longitudinal action of freight trains on mountain routes |
|---|---|
| Original language | German (Austria) |
| Pages (from-to) | 477-486 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | ZEV-Zeitschrift fuer Eisenbahnwesen und Verkehrstechnik - Journal for Railway and Transport |
| Volume | 120 |
| Issue number | 11-12 |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 1996 |
| Externally published | Yes |