Research of Active Radial Device for Metro Train

Abstract

Objective Metro trains experience wheel wear and noise issues when negotiating small radius curve section. Active radial technology for bogie wheelsets is considered an effective solution theoretically. It is essential to conduct in-depth research on this technology. Method The control objective of ′radial steering′ is determined by analyzing the principle of active radial technology. A controllable rubber joint device and its control system for the swing-arm axle box positioning bogie are proposed, transforming it into an active radial device for the vehicle. The active radial guidance principle of the device is elucidated, involving the metro train obtaining track information in a beacon-like manner, storing information of each curve in the radial controller, determining the train position along curve based on train operating speed. This controls the action of the controllable rubber joint device, further enabling the wheelset to negotiate curves in a radial attitude. Taking the leading car of the train as the research object, an A-type metro train dynamic model is established. The passing performance of a metro train equipped with the active radial device is analyzed at a speed of 60 km/h through a curve radius of 400 m, and the negotiation performance is compared with the conventional bogie for reference. Result & Conclusion Compared to conventional bogie-guided wheelsets, the active radial bogie-guided wheelsets exhibit significantly reduced flange angle and wear index. Both wheelsets on the same bogie have similar lateral displacement, allowing the wheelsets to achieve ′pure rolling′ at this position. The performance of train negotiating small radius curves is noticeably improved.

Keywords

• metro train
• active radial steering
• controllable rubber joint
• curve negotiation performance
• co-simulation