Improvement of the Automatic Wheel Flange Lubrication System with Consideration of Locomotive Operating Conditions

Methods: comparison of the properties of the lubricating material used in the AGS8.10M2 depending on temperature. Mathematical modeling on the Bolshoy Lug — Slyudyanka 2 section at a speed of 60 km/h was carried out under different lubricant supply algorithms and different lubricant mass flow rates. Results: it was found that the leading type of wheelset defect is flange wear in electric locomotives operating in pushing mode. Analysis of the physical properties of the lubricating material used in the AGS8.10M2 showed a significant change in lubricant viscosity with temperature variation. A device with an adaptive lubricant supply control principle is proposed, ensuring lubricant delivery to the wheel flange taking into account locomotive operating conditions, including movement on curves and straight track sections, as well as stable lubrication in winter conditions due to maintaining an optimal temperature for the lubricant. Modeling results showed a reduction in the length of the “dry rail” section and a decrease in lubricant consumption with the adaptive control principle compared to the conventional principle implemented in the AGS8.10M2. Practical significance: the obtained modeling results confirm the feasibility of using adaptive flange lubrication systems to improve the efficiency of wheelset lubrication and reduce wheel flange wear.