Necessity and conditionality regarding the electromagnetic track brake - parametric study

Abstract

The paper explores the speed limits requiring additional braking systems independent of rail/wheel adhesion. Regarding the electromagnetic track brake (MTB), conditions to achieve the safety traffic requirements for stopping distances and decelerations are investigated by means of numerical simulations. The computing program integrates the movement equation of the vehicle, taking into account weight, resistance to forward movement, etc. The study is performed for 40...60 t four axles passenger vehicles and it was considered a speed domain of 160...300 km/h. The results indicate that deceleration requirements are an important limitative parameter for constructive top speeds of railway vehicles. For velocities higher than 210...230 km/h, the braking distances exceed the possibility of running under conventional signalling system.