Determination of dynamic characteristics of draft gears of heavy haul train using collision simulations

A heavy haul train model has been generated using the multi-body dynamics approaches in order to examine the dynamic performance of coupler draft gears through the simulations of a train model hitting a fixed block at a very low speed. The train model consists of a locomotive and several wagons, which are connected with auto-couplers with friction wedge type draft gear packages. Three types of coil springstiffness characteristics in draft gears – linear, soften and harden nonlinear, are selected to investigate the dynamic performance of draft gears. The simulation results show that the crash speed must be less than 5km/h so that the draft gears work properly. Coil springs with soften nonlinear characteristic showed a significant reduction in the second impact forces on locomotive head.