Application of rubber elastic elements in suspension of railway vehicles

Abstract

The intensity of the dynamic load of railway vehicles, in addition to the quality of the track, depends on the elastic and damping characteristics of the suspension system. For existing track conditions can be stated that quality of dynamic behavior and safety of railway vehicles are primarily dependent on the characteristics of the suspension system. Suspension reduces the dynamic load, and thus reduces stresses in wheelsets, axle-bearings, bogies, car body, track, etc. Dynamic load of railway vehicles are reduced because suspension elements take over part of the kinetic energy, which leads to the safer and smoother running of the vehicle. In order to reduce the amplitude of oscillation of the vehicle in running and to avoid the risk of resonance, special devices for damping of oscillations are applied. Damping is usually solved through the appropriate friction surfaces, installation of the hydraulic, pneumatic or rubber absorbers, etc. This paper provides the necessary guidance for the application of reinforced rubber elastic elements in suspension of railway vehicles. The concrete solutions of rubber elastic elements, developed and realized in Railway Vehicles Center and Laboratory for testing of constructions at the Faculty of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in Kraljevo, are shown.