Estimation of wheel rail interaction forces

摘要

A method of estimating contact forces between the wheels of a railway wagon anda rail track, for use in determining information such as the likelihood of derailment.Accelerations of the body of the wagon are measured using motion sensors locatedat suitable points on the body. Forces on the side frames of the wagon are calculatedbased on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body.Forces on the wheels of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations ofthe body and predetermined parameters of the body. The contact forces betweenthe wheels and the rails are then calculated based on the forces calculated forthe side frames and the wheels. The calculations are carried out using an inversemodel of the wagon system. Equipment which implements the method is also described.