Influence of Longitudinal Compressive Coupler Force on the Derailment of the Empty Freight Train in the Turnout Switch Area

doi:10.3901/JME.260051

Abstract

Abstract: The longitudinal compressive coupler force has a significant effect on the safety of long haul freight trains. In order to study the effect of the longitudinal compressive coupler force on the derailment of empty freight trains in the switch area, based on a derailment accident of an empty freight train passing through the switch area in the diverging route, a dynamic model of empty freight train-turnout is established considering the variable cross-sectional characteristics of the switch rail. Based on this model, the derailment process of the empty freight train and the influence of the longitudinal compressive coupler force on the derailment of the empty freight train when passing through the turnout switch area in the diverging route are analyzed, and the relationship between the longitudinal compressive coupler force and the coupler force is investigated. The results indicate that under the action of the longitudinal compressive coupler force, the coupler yaw angle is formed and the lateral coupler force is generated, which intensifies the wheel-rail interaction and promotes the lateral movement and climbing of the wheelset. Moreover, the larger the longitudinal compressive coupler force, the higher the risk of derailment of empty freight trains. Under the combined effect of the longitudinal compressive coupler force, the variable cross-sectional structure of the switch rail, and the high wheel-rail friction coefficient, the risk of derailment of the empty freight train is increased and the wheel climbs or even derails in the turnout switch area. In addition, the longitudinal compressive coupler force can cause differences in the direction of the coupler yaw angle, which in turn affects the position of the derailed bogie in the train.

Key words: longitudinal compressive coupler force, derailment of empty freight train, turnout switch, coupler yaw angle

CLC Number:

U271

JIANG Yiping, CHI Maoru, GUO Shun. Influence of Longitudinal Compressive Coupler Force on the Derailment of the Empty Freight Train in the Turnout Switch Area[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2026, 62(2): 238-249.

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