PLATE INSTRUMENTED WHEELSETS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF WHEEL/RAIL FORCES

摘要

Strain gauge instrumented wheelsets arc an important research tool in experimental rail vehicle testing. This report, expounds the principle of operation of the instrumented plate type of wheelset which is contracted by the scientifically exact application of strain gauges on the plate region of railroad wheels so that the wheelset is transformed into a sophisticated force transducer. An example of the application of the principles expounded is presented for a locomotive wheelset having wheels with S-shaped plate regions and 40 in. (1016-mm) diameters. The corresponding measurement system that utilizes such instrumented wheelsets is synopsized. This infor¬mation is useful to railroads and other research groups interested in measuring wheel/rail forces.