Determination of optimal locations of strain gauges on instrumented wheelsets

Abstract

This paper presents one universal method for determination of optimal locations of strain gauges on instrumented wheelsets for measurement of wheel-rail contact forces and contact point position. The method is based on development of wheel model and systematically analysis of results of FEM calculation. The procedure is shown on standard 22.5 t wheelset for freight wagons. For analysed wheel, 4 optimal radial distances for measurement of 3 parameters (vertical force Q, lateral force Y and location of contact point position ycp) are determined. Placing strain gauges on optimal locations is one of the main preconditions for high measurement accuracy of instrumented wheelset. The proposed method is verified with the experimental tests on real object.