Two theoretical problems in railway vehicle mechanics required an exceptionally long time-scale for their solution: the ‘hunting’ problem and the prediction of curving behaviour. Here the history of each is recounted from the point of first recognition (in theoretical terms) to effective solution. Also briefly described is the parallel development of rolling contact theory, which is needed in both applications.
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WickensA. H.The dynamics of railway vehicles on straight track: Fundamental considerations of lateral stabilityProc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1965-6, 180 (3F), 1–16.
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UebelackerH.Investigations concerning the dynamics of bogie locomotives on curved track (in German)Organ Fortschr. Eisenbahnwesens, 1903, 58 (Suppl.); English version, Investigation of the running of locomotives on curves. Int. Rly Congr. Bull., 1922, 4, 887-911.
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JohnsonK. L.The effect of a tangential contact force upon the rolling motion of an elastic sphere on a planeJ. Appl. Mech., 1958, 80, 339–346.
HainesD. J.OllertonE.Contact stress distributions on elliptical contact surfaces subjected to radial and tangential forcesProc. Instn Mech. Engrs, 1963, 177, 95–114.
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