Skip to main content

Author: Livia In-Albon

Simulation of derailment safety for an innovative tramway vehicle

Customer: Traila, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Checking and compilation of the modeling parameters
  • Checking the implementation of the boundary conditions in the simulation environment
  • Evaluation of the results
  • Expert support and access to leading industry knowledge
  • Key supporter of technology development

Our Approach

Traila requested the support of PROSE to validate their simulation concepts and testing scenarios using the industry standard SIMPACK. In addition, PROSE was requested to validate the derailment safety analysis needed to successfully operate a test tram on the VBZ network. Traila developed a Matlab-based simulation model using Simscape MBD for system integration analysis purposes, as standard and detailed wheel-rail contact models for their application were not available at the time. Traila continues to invest in their simulation capabilities, to support the extensive development of the Traila technology.

Customer benefit

“Due to the extensive experience of the experts at PROSE with MBD modeling of rail vehicles, Traila was able to perform the derailment safety verification quickly, efficiently and successfully,” according to Dr. Tom Morris CEO of Traila. “Additionally, PROSE was quick to react and provide support when we needed it.”

Strength verification of bonded joints IC Bt

Customer: SBB, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • 3D FE modelling
  • Derivation of loads
  • Definition of load cases
  • Evaluation of load cases
  • Verification report
  • Adhesive drawings

Our Approach

For the following connections, bonding proofs were developed on the basis of FEM calculations:

  • Car body structure – front cabin
  • Front cabin – front window
  • Front cabin – side window
  • Front cabin – rear view mirror
  • Front cabin – headlights
  • Front cabin – handle

PROSE prepared the strength verifications and adhesive drawings of the A1 bonding’s according to DIN 6701. In advance, the loads were determined according to EN 14067-5 and the load cases were defined according to EN 12663. Afterwards, the relevant load cases were evaluated and documented in the report.

Customer benefit

PROSE’s experience and certification in accordance with “DIN 6701, bonding of rail vehicles”, helps the customer to able to complete the verification dossier and thus obtain flawless re-registration of the vehicle.

 

SAMMS-t710: Structural strength analysis

Customer: L&S Luddeneit und Scherf GmbH, Germany

Project tasks

  • Structural strength analysis of SAMMS-t710 freight vehicle.
  • Creation of mid-surface Finite Element Model (FEM)
  • Definition of load case and boundaries conditions
  • Interpretation of simulation result according to EN12663-2010
  • Creation of structural strength report

Our Approach

L&S contracted PROSE to demonstrate the strength of the SAMMS-t710 modification they designed as per EN 12663-1 by means of a finite element analysis (FEA). PROSE did assess the design modification in light of EN 15085-3:2010, then create a 3D model for calculation, define the loads cases together with L&S, perform the simulation, assess the results with presentation in a report. We also did support with design adaptation where required to reach EN 12663 fulfilment.

Customer benefit

By contracting PROSE, L&S did benefit from our wide experience in structural strength analysis. This led to faster and efficient design integrity calculation and adaptation of design when required to ensure structural integrity of the rail grinding vehicle car body main structure.

Risk minimisation for small fleets

Procuring rail vehicles has never been as complex as it is today, especially for small and medium-sized operators. Global market consolidation, shrinking supplier pools and increasing technical requirements are pushing many to their limits.

Our latest PROSE white paper shows how you can minimise risks when procuring small fleets through:

  • Targeted support from experts
  • Life cycle-oriented procurement planning
  • Long-term harmonised strategies for rail vehicles
  • With concrete case studies such as the VDV tram-train tender and the collaboration with MGB, RhB and zb

Read the full white paper: PROSE white paper: Risk mitigation for rolling stock procurements of small fleets

See all PROSE white papers

Load assumptions and strength analysis of tramway track components

Customer: Würzburger Straßenbahn GmbH, KÜNSTLER Bahntechnik GmbH, Germany

Project tasks

  • Clarification of the intended track layout, speed restrictions and wheel/rail profile conditions
  • Setup of appropriate multi body system (MBS) models of the tracks including the cross-sections of the switch blades as well as three types of existing tram vehicles
  • Conduction of a variation of MBS simulation runs and extraction of loads acting on track components like e.g. rails, switch tongues; setup of related load assumptions
  • Setup of a finite element model (FEM) e.g. of the switch tongues and the surrounding structure
  • Fatigue strength assessment of the track component while applying the loads as gained from the MBS simulations
  • Proposals of design improvements regarding the strength
  • Meter gauge tram application
  • Tracks including deep grooved switches

Our Approach

Running dynamics simulations have been performed to determine the wheel/rail loads, which are acting on the related track components. The specific conditions of WSB have been considered while conducting multi body system (MBS) simulations for all three types of vehicles in all relevant directions of travel through the triangular joint “Sanderring” as well as the tracks in front of the central railway station. As a result, load assumptions for the track components under assessment (e.g. switch tongues) have been extracted from the MBS simulations. A finite element model (FEM) of the component and the surrounding structure was set up. The wheel/rail load assumptions as derived from the MBS simulations have been applied to the FEM model. A fatigue assessment was conducted while analyzing the strength amplitude as deriving from the maximum strength. Based on the FEM results, specific design adjustments have been recommended to improve the strength.

Customer benefit

One major benefit is the minimization of the risk e.g. of occurrence of cracks. This is especially important, as new tram vehicles by tendency come along with higher axle loads and are thus more demanding regarding the strength of track components. Another benefit is the reusability of the load assumptions as well as the strength analysis for future tenders of similar track layouts under comparable conditions. Two of the three MBS vehicle models have already been setup in a former project for WSB. Thus, the benefit of reusability without initial modelling efforts was already used in this project.

info@prose.one

 

Our solutions
© PROSE. All rights reserved
Disclaimer    Privacy Policy