A Systems Approach for Wheelset and Traction Control

SUMMARYThis paper presents the first part of a systems approach for the control of rail wheelset dynamics and traction, which studies interactions between the two sub-systems and explores potential benefits of integrated approaches in terms of the wheelset stability, curving performance and effect of tractive effort. The study is carried out based on a two-axle vehicle configuration developed in a study of the mechatronic approach for rail vehicles. A passively-stabilised vehicle with powered axles is used as a basis for performance comparison, but this paper concentrates upon active control solutions and their effect on the provision of traction.