Design and simulation of rail vehicles

A thorough understanding of the issues that affect dynamic performance, as well as more inventive methods for controlling rail vehicle dynamics, is needed to meet the demands for safer rail vehicles with higher speed and loads. Design and Simulation of Rail Vehicles examines the field of rail vehicle design, maintenance, and modification, as well as performance issues related to these types of vehicles. This text analyzes rail vehicle design issues and dynamic responses, describes the design and features of rail vehicles, and introduces methods that address the operational conditions of this complex system. Progresses from Basic Concepts and Terminology to Detailed Explanations and Techniques. Focused on both non-powered and powered rail vehicles—freight and passenger rolling stock, locomotives, and self-powered vehicles used for public transport—this book introduces the problems involved in designing and modeling all types of rail vehicles. It explores the applications of vehicle dynamics, train operations, and track infrastructure maintenance. It introduces the fundamentals of locomotive design, multibody dynamics, and longitudinal train dynamics, and discusses co-simulation techniques. It also highlights recent advances in rail vehicle design, and contains applicable standards and acceptance tests from around the world. Design and Simulation of Rail Vehicles serves as an introductory text for graduate or senior undergraduate students, and as a reference for practicing engineers and researchers investigating performance issues related to these types of vehicles.