Application of feature based method in constructing innovative sheathing of railway wagons

Purpose: The aim of this work is to present the use of composite materials in the construction of freight cars. Particular attention was paid to the use of these materials in the construction of a freight wagon door. It is dangerous when mechanical damage is made to wall panels of a wagon during transport. Improperly distributed transported material can exceed the allowable stress level and thereby damage the lining of the wagon. One possible solution to this problem is replacing steel plates with composite panels which have better mechanical properties and do not cause an increase of the nominal weight of a freight wagon. Design/methodology/approach: Experimental studies included: develop a research methodology of experimental tests of deformation of the wall door of a freight wagon. using strain gauge, placing strain gauges at key points, performed single-layer and double layer laminate panels with steel plates. Findings: Composite materials made of 5 mm steel plate and a multilayer laminated panels can be used in the construction of freight cars. Research limitations/implications: An expanded scope of the studies would include an analysis and synthesis of composite panels of various thicknesses, depending on the degree of damage to the hull of a freight wagon. Practical implications: Composite panels can be applied in the repair and construction of freight wagon shells. The obtained result shows the possibility of reducing the weight of the whole railway carriage and the price of a wagon repair, eliminating the need to completely remove the shell. Originality/value: Innovative use of composite panels in the repair and construction of structural elements of freight wagons, is new to the Polish scale. Initially DB Schenker Poland, is development of interest in further research and implementation of new technology.