Analysis of the Dynamics and Strength of the Symmetrically Loaded Bearing Structure of a Tank Car with Friction Bonds Implemented by Means of Elastic Elements in the Tank Supports

Abstract

The article reflects the results from determining the vertical loading of the supporting structure of the tank car. A feature of the tank car is the presence of friction bonds implemented by means of elastic elements in the boiler supports on the frame, which helps to reduce the loading of the supporting structure and increase the fatigue strength. To substantiate the proposed solution, the determination of the vertical loading of the supporting structure of the tank car was carried out when driving in an empty state by rail unevenness. It was established that the use of friction bonds implemented by means of bearings makes it possible to reduce the dynamic loading of the tank car by almost 35% compared to the prototype. To determine the distribution fields of acceleration acting on the supporting structure of the tank car, as well as their numerical values, a computer simulation of the dynamic loading of its supporting structure was carried out. The calculation was carried out using the finite element method according to the Mises criterion. When carrying out calculations, elastic connections were placed between the boiler and its supports using the options of the software package. To consider the friction component, the friction force was taken into account which was applied in the zones of the interaction of the boiler with the supports. The conducted studies showed that the discrepancy between the results of analytical and numerical modeling is 7.9%. It was established that the design service life of the improved supporting structure of the tank car is more than 20% higher than the service life of the prototype car. The safety factor of fatigue strength was 4.1. The research conducted can be used by those concerned about reducing failures in the bearing structures of tank cars in operational loading modes, decreasing maintenance costs, and developing recommendations for designing innovative car structures.