The study measured the behavior of different freight wagons in a tight R=200 m curve and found significant variation in wagon behavior. The track geometry was challenging, but some wagons navigated the curve smoothly despite this. In some cases, the forces acting in the wheel-rail contact were so large that significant wear occurred. The simulation results supported the findings from the field measurements. The simulations also showed that if the track geometry is similar to that of the curve in question, an empty wagon has a risk of derailing in the curve.
The article on the behavior of freight wagons in tight curves has now been published and can be read here:
https://doi.org/10.7250/bjrbe.2024-19.646
More information:
Tiia Loponen, doctoral researcher