Numerical Analysis Focusing on the Running Safety of an Improved Bogie during Seismic Vibration

Abstract

We conducted research on the derailment and overturning of railway vehicles as a result of earthquakes. Previous numerical simulation helped to clarify the dynamic behavior and running safety limits of vehicles on a vibrating track, and the results of this simulation are currently adopted in the design of railway structures.We carried out an experiment using a full-scale half carbody mounted on a Shinkansen bogie placed on a triaxial structural vibration test rig. The simulation analyzed the experimental conditions, and its results were consistent with those obtained from the experiment, thus confirming its validity.In this paper, we describe the results of analysis and performance improvement for safe running by modifying the parameters of the bogie using our numerical simulation. Our concept exchanged the lateral damper between the carbody and bogie for a High Speed Large Force damper (known as a HSLF damper). This damper performs to generate a larger damping force than that of ordinary dampers only at higher piston speeds. When the HSLF damper is used, a safety effect is gained for vibration over a large frequency range. No adverse effects on ride comfort were found from its operation as an ordinaryperformance damper.