Effect of Damper Between Maglev Vehicles on Curve Negotiation
In a magnetic train set composed of more than two cars, the installation of dampers between cars is carefully considered for improving both the ride quality and the safety, particularly during curve negotiation. In this study, a dynamic simulation of the ride quality and curve negotiation of a Maglev vehicle was carried out. The dynamic model is developed based on multibody dynamics. The presented full vehicle multibody dynamic model integrates the electromagnet model and its control algorithm. By using this model, the effects of the dampers are numerically analyzed. The proposed damper is installed on the vehicle and tested to analyze its effects. In this study, the simulation and measured results of the vehicle behavior and ride quality are discussed.
A lateral active suspension for conventional railway bogies
The present paper describes an active centring system for railway vehicles. The proposed solution is based on lateral pneumatic actuators placed between bogie and car body connected to the vertical secondary suspension air springs. The objective of the developed centring system is twofold: the improvement of the curving behaviour of the train and the decrease of the lateral acceleration perceived by the passenger in curve negotiation thanks to the reduction of the ‘souplesse’ coefficient. The system is described in detail in the paper. Results from simulations are included considering a bidimensional model of the vehicle, and a detailed model of the air spring and control valves. The performance in curve negotiation of a vehicle equipped with this system and a conventional one is compared. Specifically, lateral displacements of the secondary suspension, roll angle and lateral accelerations are analysed. The results show noticeable performance improvements in the vehicle curving behaviour. The proposed centring system can be implemented in a conventional bogie without special design requirements; and due to the low air consumption, additional pressurised reservoirs are not required.
Trends in kiln drives
The heart of the cement plant is the rotary kiln, and continuous quality production of cement clinker depends on the continuous accurate performance of the rotary kiln drive.