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Dynamic Simulation of Colliding Trains for Buffer Stop Dimensioning
Author(s) -
Grabner Gerald,
Kecskeméthy Andrés
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
pamm
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1617-7061
DOI - 10.1002/pamm.200310353
Subject(s) - dimensioning , train , computer science , nonlinear system , simulation , buffer (optical fiber) , hysteresis , engineering , telecommunications , physics , aerospace engineering , cartography , quantum mechanics , geography
This paper describes an application of multibody dynamics to the determination of global physical behavior patterns that mimic traditional empirical laws. The main idea is to sift out such patterns from virtual experiments carried out with a simulation package. The concrete investigation in this setting is the dynamics of trains colliding onto buffer stops. Using a rigid‐body model with nonlinear couplers featuring hysteresis, it is shown that, for typical train constellations, the highest load at the buffer stops is almost independent of the number of coaches, and that the value and the location of the maximum force within the train does not increase from a particular train length on. These results are compared with traditional formulas for dimensioning of buffer stops used in rail‐vehicle industry.