FEM numerical analysis of the shape bow cross-section for the rigidity of the wheelset measuring device

The article shows the results of a computer simulation using the Finite Element Method (FEM) in order to analyze the infl uence of bows geometry cross-section for the rigidity of the instrument measuring the rolling circle diameter of the wheelset wheels. Two types of bow cross-section were considered, a rectangular shape and a shape of four thin pipes welded together. Th e considered measuring instruments should fulfi l the requirements of the standards ZN-00/PKP-3509-09 and BN-82 3509-13. FEM simulation analysis of the instrument models reveals insuffi cient instrument rigidity and indicates the need to introduce changes in the construction of the existing measuring instruments for measuring the rolling circle diameter of the wheelsets wheels.