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Verification/validation
Rail vehicle wheelsets are designed and dimensioned to various specifications. Besides analytical solutions this involves numerical temperature field, stress and deformation analyses according to the finite-element method — which our company has been using for more than 30 years — and the evaluation of fatigue stresses. Such evaluations can include material non-linearities. These can be additionally examined with regard to their effects on component life in cases where load spectra data are available.
Experimental stress and deformation analyses are conducted on our inhouse test stands to verify theoretical research, especially for new designs and complex components. This includes fatigue testing of component specimens and complete components, testing on the brake test stand, etc.
Natural frequency calculations and frequency response analyses, among others, are applied with the aid of the finite-element method to evaluate the fatigue behaviour of wheels and wheelsets. We also carry out in-service measurements with suitable equipment to verify theoretical and experimental research. These include force, stress, temperature, acceleration, spring deflection and noise measurements. The verification and validation data represent important input information to us for the design of wheelset material.