Static strength assessment of industrial traction unit bogie frames using finite element method

This paper addresses the static strength assessment of bogie frames for PE2 (M, U) series industrial traction units used in the mining industry. Currently, a significant portion of the widely operated PE2M and PE2U traction units has been in service for 40-50 years. Given that the manufacturer-specified service life for these units is 24 years, there is a critical need to justify the feasibility of extending their operation to more than double their original design life. The objective of this research is to determine the mean stress of the bogie frame loading cycle. A 3D model of the bogie frame was developed using SolidWorks, and structural analysis was performed via the Finite Element Method (FEM) in Ansys Mechanical. The finite element analysis results indicated a mean Von Mises stress of 63 MPa, and a safety factor of 2.65. Based on the findings, relatively higher stresses were observed in the zones beneath the central pivot plate of the pivot transom. The low values of mean stress, combined with the biaxiality levels, confirm that the bogie frame possesses sufficient static strength. These research findings can be utilized to evaluate the fatigue strength and residual life of the bogie frame, as well as to justify its service life extension.