Modelling and Dynamic Analyses of a Low-Floor Tram Vehicle

The independently rotating wheels (IRW) are not common solution of railway vehicles running gear. However, IRWis a natural approach enabling constructing low-floor tram vehicles by increasing free space above bogies. The aim of the paper is to study the dynamic behaviour of the new low-floor tram equipped with IRW wheelsets. In contrast to classic wheelset, the IRWs may not exhibit self-steering ability which is demanded to keep proper running behaviour. The five-piece tram model was tested according to the three simulation scenarios consisting of a curved track, a track with buckling and a track with one-side gauge narrowing. The results presented in the paper show that behavior of a bogie equipped with IRW is different from the kinematic and dynamic point of view, and could lead to premature wear of wheel and rail profiles.