In this paper, longitudinal train dynamics and coupler forces were modelled based on experimental results of Research Design and Standard Organisation and from the available literature. The model was solved numerically in MATLAB. Moreover, a multibody model was developed in Universal Mechanism software considering a locomotive and two coaches that were validated with the mathematical model by comparing acceleration responses of locomotives and coaches running at 150 km/h and then applying emergency braking. The validated model in the Universal Mechanism software was extended and used for additional study. For the case study, the Rajdhani Express train was considered running at its maximum operational speed of 160 km/h with track gradient of New Delhi and Agra Cantt station. The performance of the rail vehicle in five braking phases was evaluated. The maximum compression force in coupler increased after the application of each brake phase. Moreover, the maximum compressive coupler force of 149 t was experienced at the third quarter of the train. However, the ride quality and comfort were within the satisfactory range prescribed by Research Design and Standard Organisation.
IwnickiS. Handbook of railway vehicle dynamics, 1st edn, Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2006, pp. 552. ISBN 9781420004892.
2.
Kulkarni D, Sharma SK and Kumar A. Finite element analysis of a fishplate rail joint due to wheel impact. In: International Conference on Advances in Dynamics, Vibration and Control (ICADVC-2016), 25–27 February 2016, pp. 167–175. Durgapur: National Institute of Technology Durgapur.
3.
SharmaSKKumarA. Ride performance of a high speed rail vehicle using controlled semi active suspension system. Smart Mater Struct2017; 26: 055026–055026.
4.
SharmaSKKumarA. Impact of electric locomotive traction of the passenger vehicle ride quality in longitudinal train dynamics in the context of Indian railways. Mech Ind2017; 18: 1–18.
5.
SunYColeCSpiryaginMet al.Longitudinal heavy haul train simulations and energy analysis for typical Australian track routes. Proc IMechE, Part F: J Rail and Rapid Transit2014; 228: 355–366.
MagalhãesHAmbrósioJPomboJ. Railway vehicle modelling for the vehicle–track interaction compatibility analysis. Proc IMechE, Part K: J Multi-body Dynamics2016; 230: 251–267.
8.
PugiLMalvezziMPapiniSet al.Design and preliminary validation of a tool for the simulation of train braking performance. J Mod Transp2013; 21: 247–257.
9.
WuQLuoSColeC. Longitudinal dynamics and energy analysis for heavy haul trains. J Mod Transp2014; 22: 127–136.
10.
SharmaSKKumarA. Disturbance rejection and force-tracking controller of nonlinear lateral vibrations in passenger rail vehicle using magnetorheological fluid damper. J Intell Mater Syst Struct2018; 29: 279–297.
11.
SharmaRCPalliSSharmaSKet al.Modernization of railway track with composite sleepers. Int J Veh Struct Syst2017; 9: 321–329.
12.
SwaroopA. A technical note in continuation of reasoned document of EOI of AAR ‘H’type tight-lock couplers having balanced type draft gear, Lucknow: Research Designs and Standards Organisation, 2011.
13.
Cruceanu C, Oprea R, Spiroiu M, et al. About the influence of mass distribution on the dynamic longitudinal reactions along a short passenger train during braking actions. In: International Conference on Automotive and Transportation systems (ICAT’10), Vouliagmeni, Athens, Greece, 29–31 December 2010, pp.29–31.
14.
BhattacharyaBC. Braking and coupler force trails on 18 LHB A.C coach train hauled by single WAP5 A.C electrical locomotive of Northern railways, Lucknow: Research Designs and Standards Organisation, 2001.
Sharma SK, Kumar A and Sharma RC. Challenges in railway vehicle modeling and simulations. In: International Conference on Newest Drift in Mechanical Engineering (ICNDME-14), 20–21 December 2014, pp.453–459. Mullana: Maharishi Markandeshwar University.
17.
SharmaSKKumarA. Ride comfort of a higher speed rail vehicle using a magnetorheological suspension system. Proc IMechE, Part K: J Multi-body Dynamics2018; 232: 32–48.
18.
Sharma SK and Kumar A. The impact of a rigid-flexible system on the ride quality of passenger bogies using a flexible carbody. In: Proceedings of the third international conference on railway technology: research development and maintenance, Stirlingshire, UK, 5–8 April 2016, p.87. Cagliari: Civil-Comp Press.
SharmaSKSharmaRCKumarAet al.Challenges in rail vehicle-track modeling and simulation. Int J Veh Struct Syst2015; 7: 1–9.
21.
SharmaSKKumarA. Dynamics analysis of wheel rail contact using FEA. Procedia Eng2016; 144: 1119–1128.
22.
Sharma SK and Kumar A. Dynamics analysis of wheel rail contact using FEA. In: Twelfth International Conference on Vibration Problems (ICOVP 2015), 2015, pp. 114–123. Guwahati: IIT Guwahati.
23.
SharmaSKKumarA. A comparative study of Indian and worldwide railways. Int J Mech Eng Robot Res2014; 1: 114–120.
24.
SharmaSKLavaniaS. An autonomous metro: design and execution. In: Futuristic trends in mechanical and industrial engineering, Jaipur: JECRC UDML College of Engineering, 2013, pp. 76–84.
