Experimental analysis of running wheel for a straddle monorail vehicle

This article conducts in-depth research on the force analysis of the test running wheel of a certain type of straddle monorail vehicle, based on the tire six-component force test and wheel dynamic stress test. The main research objective is to accurately identify the factors affecting the wheel strength, thereby providing a solid foundation for subsequent design optimization and safety enhancement. The research commences with a meticulous calibration of the vehicle connecting rod in the laboratory, aiming to acquire the “force-strain” coefficients under both tension and compression conditions. A novel approach lies in the verification of calibration accuracy through a detailed comparison with experimental results, ensuring the reliability of subsequent data acquisition. By strategically installing displacement sensors at various positions to measure the vehicle's dynamic displacement and detecting the strain of the connecting rod, the study innovatively calculates the six-component force data of the tire, which provides a comprehensive data basis for analyzing the forces acting on the wheel hub. Then evaluating the fatigue strength of the wheel hub under AW0 and AW3 operating conditions based on the IIW standard, the research uncovers unique findings. It is revealed that, although the maximum dynamic loads of the vertical force of the running wheel, the lateral force of the guide wheel, and the lateral force of the stabilizing wheel are within the limit load range with a certain safety margin, there are 1 point and 3 points on the wheel hub under AW0 and AW3 working conditions, respectively, that fail to meet the fatigue strength criterion requirements. The maximum equivalent force amplitude at Measurement Point 3 of the inner hub reaches 51.4 MPa, while the calculated service mileage is only 31,000 kilometers. This discovery is of great significance as it precisely pinpoints the weak points of the wheel hub, which is a major contribution to the field. Moreover, during the analysis of the wheel hub's dynamic stress during emergency braking and the influence of polygonal wear on it, the research confirms that there is no abnormal change in the wheel hub’s dynamic stress during emergency braking, and the polygonal wear of the tire shoulder has a negligible impact on the wheel hub’s dynamic stress. These results not only calculate the six-component force data of the tire but also break new ground in understanding the interaction between different factors and the wheel hub’s performance.