Study of the peculiarities of deformation of a pneumatic spring under conditions of its emergency operation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33216/1998-7927-2025-294-8-66-72Keywords:
pneumatic spring, emergency spring, deformation, vertical load, internal pressureAbstract
Traffic safety is a key aspect of rolling stock operation. Given the trend toward increasing speeds, modern rolling stock features structural changes in its mechanical systems, particularly the implementation of pneumatic suspension systems. This system possesses specific stiffness and damping characteristics. However, during operation, malfunctions of the pneumatic system may occur (such as the absence of compressed air), which leads to the transfer of the vehicle body's load to the bogies via emergency springs. These springs exhibit significantly higher stiffness compared to a functioning pneumatic spring. This situation results in increased forces in the connections between the structural elements of the rolling stock and greater interaction forces between the wheelset and the rail track, ultimately leading to speed restrictions. The aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the deformation behavior of the pneumatic spring under emergency operating conditions and to determine the magnitude of the vertical deformation of the emergency spring. To achieve this goal, a methodology for experimental research was developed. It focuses on studying the vertical deformation of the pneumatic spring in emergency mode and is based on the use of a potentiometric linear displacement sensor, an analog-to-digital converter, and a laptop with specialized software. As a result, regularities in the vertical deformation of the pneumatic spring under the influence of static load from the vehicle body mass during pressure loss in the system were identified. Analysis of these patterns allowed for the identification of four main stages of pneumatic spring operation in emergency mode: deformation of the rubber-cord casing, contact of the vehicle body with the emergency spring, further deformation of the emergency spring under load, and completion of its deformation. During the experiment, it was recorded that the maximum vertical deformation of the emergency spring in the pneumatic suspension system reached 7.18 mm. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the experimental identification of the deformation behavior of the pneumatic spring under emergency conditions and the determination of the emergency spring’s vertical deformation value. This will enable more accurate modeling of pneumatic suspension performance and support further analysis of the dynamic safety indicators of rolling stock under emergency pneumatic system operation.
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