Consequences of nonlinear characteristics of a secondary suspension in a three-piece freight car bogie

Mechanical systems with nonlinear characteristics can show a complex dynamic behavior that should be taken into account when analysing dynamic performance and reliability. The dynamic behavior of the main suspension in a three-piece freight car bogie with constant friction damping is considered in this work. The aim is to investigate the vertical behavior of a specific suspension design due to different driving conditions, weather and wear of the friction wedges. A variation in weather and wear is represented by different friction configurations in the model of the suspension. Models of different levels of detail that are based on experimental data on existing designs are developed. It is found that the suspension performance is very sensitive to variations of the friction configuration and this indicates a possible presence of nonlinear dynamic phenomena at in service like conditions.