Analysis of the strength of the composite module of the body wagon-coal truck

Purpose. Determination of the stress-deformation state and fatigue strength of the proposed concept of the composite module of the wagon body, designed for the transportation of hard coal and other bulk cargoes that do not require protection from the influence of the external environment (atmospheric precipitation, exposure to high and low temperatures, etc.). Methodology. When conducting research, a systematic approach was used. In order to achieve the goal set in the research, the following tasks were solved: to determine the features and consider the impact of hard coal on the structural components of the body module of a coal wagon; to do node-by-node and element-by-element analysis of the engineering complex of documents for the synthesis of the geometric-spatial 3-D model of the open wagon under investigation; to develop a computer model with the help of a modern computing software complex; to adjust its adequacy on the basis of the obtained mathematical data by applying the semi-momentless theory of shells; to apply calculated loads that are characteristic of the defining case; by means of simulations, to determine graphical representations of stress-strain states; to check fatigue strength by computer simulation method. Findings. A computer model was developed with the help of a modern computing software complex. The adequate finite-element model includes: the number of mesh elements 911,782, nodes – 1,551,011, while the maximum size of the mesh element is 40.0 mm, the minimum is 13.3 mm. The results of calculating the strength of the developed model of the composite module of the body of a coal-carrying wagon from the determination of loads proved that the obtained stresses do not exceed the permissible values. Also, the proposed structure was tested for fatigue strength by calculation method and computer simulations. The results of such analysis are positive. Originality. For the first time, a conceptual implementation of the body module of an open wagon for the transportation of hard coal from a composite material has been proposed. With the help of calculations and computer simulations, the stress-strain state and fatigue strength of the proposed concept were analyzed. Practical value. The created concept of the coal wagon body can be used as a basis for the creation of composite body modules and other wagons, which will be oriented to the transportation of bulk and loose cargoes that do not require protection from atmospheric precipitation. The obtained results will be the basis for further research and development work on the development and implementation of the composite module of the body of a coal-carrying wagon. In the final case, the introduction of this or a similar technology will allow increasing the efficiency of the domestic fleet of freight wagons in the transportation of the specified bulk cargoes.