Rail Vehicle Dynamics

About this programme

This course deals with vehicle dynamics for rail vehicles, incl. interaction with the track. The topic has become increasingly important due to the need for faster and heavier trains. Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information. Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format. Rail vehicle dynamics and interaction between vehicle and track. The track and the vehicle (in brief). Fundamentals of vehicle-track interaction. Some simple vehicle models and pertinent equations of motion. Eigenvalue analysis, transfer functions and other types of analysis. Models of wheelsets, bogie frames and car bodies. Geometry and guidance for wheelset and track. Creep (sliding), creep forces (friction forces), ride stability and curve negotiation. Track forces. Safety against derailment: wheel flange climbing, vehicle turnover, rail turnover. Wheel and rail wear. Ride comfort. Vehicle gauging. Examples on different vehicles' dynamic interaction with the track. Simulation and measurement in practise. Exercises. Assignments. Project task (computer work): simulation of dynamic interaction between rail vehicle and track. Study visit. The overall aim of the course is to become prepared to work as vehicle dynamics engineer in industry or for railway operators/authorities. You shall be familiar to the different problems involved in dynamic vehicle-track interaction and be capable of actively choosing system properties that result