E-raamat: Fundamentals of Rail Vehicle Dynamics

The railway vehicle is one of the most complex dynamical systems in engineering; there are many degrees of freedom, and the mutual geometry of the wheel-rail combination and the forces acting between the wheel and rail are nonlinear and very complicated. This book concentrates on the conflict between dynamic stability and guidance and how the arrangement of the suspension system, connecting the wheelsets to the car bodies, can be used to optimise steering and stability. It follows an analytical approach where possible, emphasising basic ideas, and relating the results to actual experience with various types of design.

The fundamental principles Wicken (Loughborough U.) considers are a consequence of the mechanics of wheel-rail interaction as embodied in the equations of motion. He uses simple models to help clarify innovative systems or particular problems for research purposes, and analytical studies to describe the mechanics of new suspension and vehicle design concepts. Because he concentrates on the configuration and parametric design of the bogie in relation to steering, dynamic response, and stability, he does not focus on a current typical set of parameters, but discusses the consequences of the complete range of parameters open to designers. Distributed in the US by Ashgate. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Fundamentals of Rail Vehicle Dynamics lays a foundation for the design of rail vehicles based on the mechanics of wheel-rail interaction as described by the equations of motion. The author advances simple models to elucidate particular challenges and demonstrate innovative systems while using analytical studies to examine novel design concepts. Rather than focusing on a "typical" set of parameters, the book discusses the issues associated with the complete range of parameters available, concentrating on the configuration and parametric design of the bogie in relation to steering, dynamic response, and stability. This is an excellent reference for designers and researchers involved vehicle development.