A High-Precision Method for Dynamically Measuring Train Wheel Diameter Using Three Laser Displacement Transducers.

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Railway Engineering
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate dynamic measurement of train wheel diameter is critical for safe train operation.
• Existing dynamic measurement systems often fail to meet the stringent <0.3 mm error tolerance for high-speed vehicles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel, simple, and precise method for dynamic train wheel diameter measurement.
• To develop and validate a measurement system based on the proposed method.
• To analyze and mitigate factors affecting measurement accuracy, particularly rail deformation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three one-dimensional laser displacement transducers (1D-LDTs) for dynamic measurement.
• Employed a combination of multi-body dynamics and finite element methods to analyze rail deformation under varying speeds (20-300 km/h).
• Implemented a comparative measurement technique to minimize the impact of rail deformation on accuracy.

Main Results:

• The developed system demonstrated high precision in dynamic wheel diameter measurement.
• Analysis confirmed rail deformation as a key factor influencing accuracy at different speeds.
• Comparative measurement effectively reduced the error introduced by rail deformation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 1D-LDT based method provides a simple and accurate solution for dynamic train wheel diameter measurement.
• The developed system successfully meets the <0.3 mm error requirement for high-speed vehicles.
• The findings contribute to enhanced safety and operational efficiency in railway systems.