Passenger comfort as a track and rolling stock interaction indicator

The article deals with the issue of the interaction of the track and rolling stock and the relationship of factors affecting the comfort of passengers. Examples of passenger comfort indicators are given and possible causes of deviations in the track geometry are considered. The results of experimental trips are analyzed and the data obtained by standard diagnostic tools are presented. Natural irregularities in the plan and profile were constructed in the analyzed areas where comfort indicators were exceeded. The data presented demonstrate the use of an additional indicator of the interaction of the track and rolling stock, which is advisable to take into account to identify deviations in the geometry of the track gauge when carrying out work on the current maintenance of the track, since there are irregularities or combinations of irregularities in the track that have an increased dynamic impact. It is worth noting that currently not all irregularities are registered, and accordingly such irregularities are not eliminated. Using the «passenger comfort» indicator calculated from the accelerations occurring in the elements of the rolling stock, it is possible to determine the places and deviations of the geometry of the track gauge that affect the dynamic characteristics of the rolling stock, causing increased comfort indicators.