An investigation of the effects of variations in side bearing clearance on the vehicle dynamics of loaded freight cars with relatively high centers of gravity was conducted. Results from the tests are as follows: (1) Compared to nominal gap clearance data, an increased gap produced significantly larger roll angles, at lower peak resonant frequency, over a wider range of frequencies; (2) Increased gap produced slightly less wheel unloading on the VTU. Due to safety considerations, it was not possible to test on-track at wheel-unloading conditions to determine which configurations was more severe; (3) Increased side bearing clearance allows more roll without involving suspension components; (4) On-track testing produced car body roll angles, displacement responses, and wheel loads which were similar in characteristics shape of amplitude level versus speed to the VTU test data, but not in amplitude and frequency. This is probably due to variances in the simulated VTU waveform; and (5) It was found that slight changes in the input to the wheel/rail interface may cause major variations in dynamic response. This was most prevalent with the 3/4-inch roller side bearing gap clearance.


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    Title :

    Side Bearing Clearance Testing Research


    Contributors:
    D. L. Cackovic (author) / K. D. Hopkins (author) / D. Tyrell (author)

    Publication date :

    1994


    Size :

    76 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English