Numerical analysis of the front impact between two shunting locomotives

The main aim of this study is to carry out dynamic finite element analysis of a crash between two identical shunting locomotives. Numerical simulations include front-end impact of the running locomotive with a stationary one situated on the track. The first design collision scenario includes such obstacle for railway vehicles operated on national and regional networks. A considered locomotive based on a popular Polish shunting locomotive – SM42. However, the tested locomotive was slightly modernized in comparison with the original one. Finite element model of the locomotive was developed by the authors. FE analyses were carried out according to the PN-EN 15227 standard, which provides crashworthiness requirements for railway vehicle bodies. LESS-DYNA computer code was used for the simulations. The energy balance was initially checked in order to confirm the accuracy of analysis. The paper presents selected results of analyses focused on the locomotive frame behaviour. Contours of effective stress for selected moments of time are presented. Time histories of selected parameters are also depicted. The current study is a part of the project focused on modernization of the SM42 locomotive. Therefore, it is required to evaluate the locomotive behaviour during the impact test. Dynamic numerical simulation is acceptable since the experimental tests on the complete objects under consideration are impractical and impossible at the moment.