Conceptual design of running gear of the air film train

Research purposes: As an important part of the air film train, the running gear has a basic function to achieve suspension, guidance, traction / braking, which is a key technical problem in rail transportation application. Based on the unique characteristics of the air film train which is distinguishing from the wheel-rail train and maglev train, the conceptual design of the air film train has been discussed in this paper. Research conclusions: (1)Air film train adopts a running gear in multi-unit in series form, in order to facilitate the train passing the vertical and plane curve. (2)The running gear of air film train mainly makes up of air-jet mechanism, bolster the pendulum mechanism, traction mechanism, guiding mechanism, braking and emergency supporting device and so on. (3)In order to adapt to the track distortion as a result of track irregularities and superelevation slope, the longitudinal beam and the cross beam is connected by flexible material, so it is with the longitudinal beam and air-jet mechanism. The air-jet nozzle is divided into several small units instead of a long strip. (4)The research results can provide references for design of running gear in new rail transit system. ©, 2014, Editorial Department of Journal of Railway Engineering Society. All right reserved.