A fault detection and isolation (FDI) method for wedge dampers of heavy haul wagons

Wedge dampers are one of the most important suspension components for heavy haul wagons. As one main damping source, wedge dampers suffer degradations and failures due to constant friction forces on working surfaces. Inspections of friction surfaces require dismount of bogie suspension systems. This paper proposed an on-board fault detection and isolation (FDI) method for wedge dampers. Such method only requires two tri-axle accelerometers being mounted on each wagon body. 7 fault indicators (FIs) are proposed based on the concept of Cross-correlations. Common wedge damper faults are analysed and typical wedge damper faults are selected to focus on. A fully detailed model is developed for one typical 40t axle-load heavy haul wagon. Simulation results indicate the good performance of the proposed fault FDI method.