Methodology and selected results of simulation studies of a new tram bogie for 1000 mm track

The article describes the adopted research methodology and selected results of simulation analyses of the dynamic behavior of a new generation bogie for the 805N type tram. The adopted methodology is discussed, and the results of calculations verifying the dynamic responses of the bogie for various track variants and wear parameters are presented. The calculations included simplified dynamic analyses based on the guidelines of UIC leaflet 518, as well as the EN 14363:2005 standard. The calculations were performed using the computer simulation method based on multi-body system dynamics analysis. The SIMPACK program was used in the calculations, which is an engineering software package designed for modeling and numerical research of mechanical systems with flexible and damping elements.INTRODUCTION
For over a dozen years, a renaissance of public transport has been observed in Europe and around the world.
Discontinued tram lines are returning to favor, and trams are carrying an increasing number of passengers every year. In Poland, this trend is only just beginning to gain momentum – unfortunately, many cities do not have the funds to replace worn-out rolling stock and purchase new, low-floor trams. Therefore, decisions are very often made to modernize older vehicles in order to increase their safety and ride comfort, while simultaneously increasing reliability and reducing maintenance costs. Cities operating trams on 1000 mm gauge tracks are in the least favorable position, as there are no proven solutions for modernizing the running gear of these vehicles in Poland.
Responding to these needs, a research team from the Poznan University of Technology developed the concept of a new T01/1000 tram bogie for 1000 mm track for 805N type trams. This article contains a description of the adopted research methodology and selected results of simulation analyses conducted for the new bogie. The studies aim to analyze the dynamic behavior of the bogie for various track variants and its wear parameters.
Research on the dynamics of rail vehicle movement is an issue that is the subject of study by many authors. The objects of such studies are usually railway vehicles [e.g., 3÷7], however, in recent times, the number of publications devoted to the analysis of the dynamics of light rail vehicles has significantly increased [8÷12]. (…)

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