Methodology for optimisation of draft gear design using Particle Swarm Optimisation

Failure of wagon connection systems has been reported as a limit for further development of heavy haul trains. Draft gear designs have significant implications for overall train dynamics and fatigue damage of rolling stock components. This paper proposes a methodology to optimise draft gear designs using advanced draft gear modelling, longitudinal train dynamics (LTD) simulations and Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO). Optimisation objectives are lower in-train forces, lower accelerations and lower fatigue damage.