On-track test and dynamic simulation of back gauge of gauge changing train

Gauge changing train is developed to realize through operation between standard gauge and narrow gauge. The wheelset of gauge changing train has small lateral clearance and torsion stiffness in wheelset assembly. Thus the amount of change of back gauge is larger than that of solid wheelset. To prevent the wheelset from misguiding (running into wrong track), it must be verified that the wheelset always keep back gauge in the predetermined range. This paper describes the relation between lateral force and back gauge by on-track test. Especially, while the wheelset passes turnouts, the back side of wheel contacts with a guardrail and large back lateral force widens back gauge. The amount of change of back gauge increases according to increase in lateral force, but is saturated at a certain value. The safety margin against misguiding is secured enough even when the maximum lateral force is loaded at turnout passing. Also, in this paper, numerical simulations using the simple wheelset model are performed. The characteristic of gauge changing wheelset is modeled by clearance, torsion stiffness and rolling friction. Authors confirmed that the results of on-track test are well reproduced by the wheelset model. © 2013 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.