Simulated comparisons of wagon coupler systems in heavy haul trains

Three types of wagon connection coupling systems are evaluated in a train simulationmodel consisting of 107 vehicles. The three wagon connection coupling systems are autocouplerswith standard draft gears, auto-couplers with draft gears with wedge unlockingfeatures, and the traditional drawhook buffer system. The train is made up of 103 wagons and4 locomotives. The locomotives are placed in groups of two at the head andmid-train positions.Dynamic response and fatigue damage is compared for a control disturbance on a crest and on aflat track section. The effect of coupling-free travel (slack) is also investigated.