A Model to Study the Stability of Freight Train Wagons Moving in Conditions of Mountain Pass Profile and Wind Loads

Purpose: A freight train model is presented to analyze the train stability moving on mountainous railway sections. Special attention is paid to the impact of wind loads on the safety factor against overturning. On the Angren — Pape railway, Republic of Uzbekistan, the railway sections with the most pronounced tendency of wagons to overturn, especially under the action of wind loads, have been identified based on the analysis of operational maps and information on weight standards established for this section. This article highlights the importance of efficient and safe operation of rolling stock to ensure cargo safety in difficult mountain conditions including steep climbs and descents and small-radius curves. Methods: The influence of longitudinal forces on the stability of wagons against overturning was investigated including the exposure to winds acting along the normal axis of the track. The authors have developed a specialized software that allows performing simulation modelling of the movement of trains of different composition on a track with variable plan and profile taking into account the construction parameters of the track superstructure for the stability analysis of the wagons. The results obtained were analyzed allowing dangerous sections to be identified and the train operating modes to be further adapted to improve transport safety. To determine the magnitude of the wind forces acting on the train wagons, an aerodynamic calculation was performed using a train model developed in the SolidWorks modelling programme. Results: The values of the aerodynamic drag coefficients for different types of wagons have been calculated and the dangerous sections with the most pronounced wagon overturning tendency have been identified. Practical significance: Specialized software has been developed for the hazard analysis. The possibility of optimizing freight train control modes to improve train safety in complex mountainous terrain under the influence of wind loads has been demonstrated.