Method for determining the primary obstacle to motion of freight wagons during running brake tests

Objective: to develop an advanced method for determining the primary resistance to motion of freight wagons during running brake tests, aimed at enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing test costs. Methods: the primary resistance to the motion of a single wagon was determined experimentally, while the aerodynamic component of a single wagon and that within a train was calculated using digital models. Results: a methodology for determining the primary resistance to the movement of freight wagons during running braking tests has been developed and validated, which allows for a significant reduction in test costs. Practical significance: the study will enable a significant decrease in the expenses involved in evaluating resistance to motion. At the same time, the proposed approach will increase the precision of measurements by removing a number of errors. The developed method may be applied during the acceptance trials of newly manufactured railway wagons. Its use allows for more accurate estimation of basic running resistance, which, in turn, will support a more reliable assessment of their energy performance.