Estimation of the influence of damping devices force characteristics on the forces between train cars

The paper considers the influence of the force characteristics of the damping apparatus on the value of the maximal longitudinal forces arising between the cars. Using the computer program MSC.ADAMS, we performed the simulation of shunting collisions of cars and train transient movement modes. The dependences of the maximal forces at cars' collision at various velocities on the shape of the elastic elements' force characteristics are determined. The operation of various shock dampers for the case of the train starting off electric braking and movement through the parts of the longitudinal track profile was estimated. It is shown that shock dampers with a rapidly growing line of load lead to the emergence and propagation of large shock forces along the train, while a slow growth of the force leads to their reduction due to the amplitude increase in elastic vibrations propagated along the train length . We propose to use high-energy-damping devices to reduce the longitudinal forces in the train, which are characterized by the force slew rate substantially depending on the compression velocity of the shock damper.