Finite element analysis and static load test of a wheelset of Gwangju emu for measuring wheel/rail force

Since a derailment of rolling stocks results in huge losses in properties and lives, the measurement of a derailment coefficient is a very important test item to estimate the running safety of rolling stocks. For a measurement of the derailment - measurement of forces between the wheel and rail - a measuring wheelset should be made first. The process to make a measuring wheelset has some stages for correct measurement. They are as follows; a finite element analysis of a wheel to find a position of holes at which vertical force shall be measured, a finite element analysis for the position of strain gauges, the attachment of strain gauges on a wheel, a static load test of a measuring wheelset, bridge circuit set-up of strain gauges and wirings. In this study we introduce the process to make a measurement wheelset in order to estimate the running safety of Gwangju EMU, and describe the methods to calibrate a measuring wheelset and to measure a derailment coefficient.