Research of the modern absorbing apparatus power characteristics influence on the freight train inter-car forces

A mathematical model of the inter-car connections used in the long and heavy train is presented. It takes into account the elastic-frictional properties of absorbing devices and gaps in automatic coupler devices connecting the train cars. There are demonstrated the calculation results of a homogeneous train motion along a straight horizontal track section at such non-steady modes as at starting, braking by the locomotive electrodynamic brakes and passing along a track profile section of a complex shape. A comparative assessment of the influence of the kind of the absorbing devices power characteristic on the maximal longitudinal forces arising in the train inter-car connections is carried out using the MSC ADAMS engineering software package. Transients with a smooth and sharp change in traction and braking forces are considered. Based on the obtained results, the main positive and negative properties of rigid, linear and soft power characteristics of the automatic couplers’ absorbing devices used on the railway rolling stock are determined. The results of performed computer simulation can be applied to the sphere of design and modernization of absorbing devices of automatic couplers and to the process of composition of various types of cars in trains of any length and weight.