Modelling and Simulation of the Wheelspin and Gear Loading Processes of a Locomotive During Starting

Abstract

An analytical investigation of the phenomenon of locomotive wheelspin during starting is carried out. A wheelset-power unit model with 6 degrees of freedom (D-O-F) is developed. It has two non-linear factors: meshing gears having backlash and wheels having different friction coefficients when they stick to or slip on the rail. Calculated results show that the whole spinning process can be divided into four stages. The second and the third stages are destructive to wheel and rail surface, while the fourth stage is the most dangerous to gear strength. Further, a model with 7 D-O-F with elastic driven gear is developed and discussed in detail. The effect of some design parameters on gear impulsive force is also investigated so that the results may be useful in design. It is believed that the models, the equations and the procedure in this study contribute toward understanding of impact behaviours of more complicated locomotive drive systems with frequent stop-and-start operation.