THE EFFECT OF THE WEAR FACTOR ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PLATE-TYPE SHOCK-ABSORBING DEVICES OF RAILWAY ROLLING STOCK

The analysis of existing friction absorbing devices of automatic coupling is performed. It has been found out that in all existing friction absorbing devices, the wear factor should play a significant role. The consequences that can result from the wear of the parts of the wedge system of the friction absorbing devices are analyzed. Experimental studies have been conducted to assess the wear of wedge system parts from the introduced power. Experimental dynamic studies are conducted at BSTU-BSZ slide stand. Plate absorbing devices of various manufacturers are selected as the objects of research. The paper provides a detailed description of the experimental studies carried out and the results obtained in the form of tables and dependencies of the wear level on the amount of power introduced. The dependence of wear on the operating time of the absorbing device has been found out. It is noted that during shunting operations on shunting humps, the service life (degree of wear of friction assembly parts) of plate absorbing devices does not significantly affect their characteristics. It is found out that for all types of transient modes of train movement (starting, braking), as the service life (degree of wear of the friction assembly nodes) of the plate absorbing device increases, an increase in the level of longitudinal compressive forces is observed. This increase is especially noticeable on short and medium trains during emergency braking. The maximum increase of the force level can reach 29%.