Strength analysis of the central support structure of the PE2M(U) industrial traction unit using finite element method

This article examines the issue of assessing the strength of the central support unit components of PE2 type industrial traction units in collision conditions. The strength calculation was performed using the finite element method in the Ansys Mechanical program. The strength calculation was carried out taking into account the maximum forces acting according to the requirements of GOST 34939-2023. According to the results obtained by the finite element method, it was found that a stress of 168 MPa occurs at the pivot of the central support and 220 MPa in the central support socket. These calculated stress values represent 78 % of the permissible value for the central support pivot and 102 % for the central support socket. This substantiates the need to improve the design of the central support socket for long-term use of traction units.