Semi-active control of independently rotating wheels in railway vehicles

Mei, T. X., Li, H., Zaeim, A. and Dai, H. Y. (2024) Semi-active control of independently rotating wheels in railway vehicles. Vehicle System Dynamics, 62 (10). pp. 2686-2702. ISSN 0042-3114

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Abstract

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of steering and guidance problems of independently rotating wheels (IRWs) in railway vehicles and provides an engineering insight into the possibilities for passive and/or semi-active control possibilities that do not require expensive full-active systems. The theoretical development is then supported in the study by carrying out a comprehensive performance evaluation in comparison with a full active control. The study demonstrates that the independently rotating wheelset may be effectively controlled via semi-active approaches to provide the wheelsets with the necessary steering on curves and self-centring ability on a straight track with irregularities with performance comparable with full active systems.