Wheel & Rail system test stands
A perfect interaction between the wheel and the rail is required when heavy vehicles travel on tracks on a daily basis. RENK´s wheel & rail contact test systems reproduce this interaction perfectly in the lab setting.
A wheel-rail system test bench provides a wide range of testing options for all assemblies of the wheelset. All loads and environmental influences are realistically mapped, such as:
- Developing new materials and heat treatment methods for wheelsets
- Analyzing curve squeal and the influence of wheel absorbers
- Developing and calibrating diagnostic systems
- Analyzing lubricant distribution and damage pattern
- Optimizing wheelset axles
- Monitoring running dynamic behavior
The testing capabilities of a wheel & rail contact test rig are also very significant, especially in the development of braking systems:
- Examination of wheel slip under different environmental conditions
- Measurement of real friction values of wheel and rail under different environmental conditions
- Examination of the respective wheel-rail frictional contact
- Measurement of actual braking distances
In combination with these real-time measurements, a wide variety of brake control methods can be developed in the HIL environment of such a test rig to sustainably improve the braking behavior of future rail vehicles.
Wheel & Rail system test stands
Rail to rig
To best simulate an endless pair of rails, we use two large rings simulation real rail track profiles. These rings are attached to the circumference of two large rotating disks and precisely aligned. In this way, we achieve trouble-free and realistic rolling conditions of the test wheel even at extremely high driving speeds.
Wheel & Rail system test stands
Full power for various testing requirements
Test wheels and rail discs of the test stand are driven by separate highly dynamic and powerful drives. These drives not only enable the travel speeds of future high-speed trains, but also driving conditions such as acceleration or braking. Highly dynamic speed or torque changes are also possible, as required for the development of controlled braking systems.
Wheel & Rail system test stands
Simulating real loads
The available three-axis loading device is not only responsible for simulating the train weight on the wheels.
The highly dynamic control of the RDDS test bench automation system enables the simulation of vehicle weight and vehicle inertia in three dimensions under all static and dynamic driving conditions.