Study of traction rolling-stock using in Lithuanian sector of railway line “Rail Baltica”

The article analyses the current traction rolling-stock used by „Lietuvos geležinkeliai“ Plc. for freight transportation. The technical data of the above mentioned rolling-stock is explored and compared, and operation costs are estimated in the article. After the assessment of the forecasts of freight flows on the constructed railway „Rail Baltica“, the algorithm for selection of freight locomotives was proposed. The efficiency of the locomotives operated on the railway is determined by three multicriteria evaluation methods: the sum of ratings, simple additive weighting, and the geometric mean method. Locomotives are valued in accordance with technical, economic and ecological parameters. The results of possible effective performance of the rolling stock have been determined by changing coefficient values of the criteria. Finally, basic conclusions are given

A mathematical model of train continuous motion uphill

The determination problem of adhesion coefficient of locomotives’ wheels with rails is described in this paper. The use of methods of mathematical statistics and theory of probability provides wider possibilities for determining the most acceptable (suitable) value of the adhesion coefficient. The random factors influencing on this value are analysed. The use of the adhesion coefficient values based on reliable research results could help maintain uninterrupted (continuous) traffic of heavy freight trains and increase not only the carrying capacity, but also the volume of the transported goods. The paper considers a mathematical model of steady traffic of heavy freight trains pulled by upgraded locomotives of the series 2M62M on railway line with a gradient. The research results show that the actual values of the adhesion coefficient and the total resistance are distributed according to the normal distribution law. A mode of locomotive motion largely depends on the relationship between the total train's running resistance and locomotive tractive force. Finally, basic conclusions are given. First published online: 27 Oct 201

In memoriam: Prof. Galyna Andriivna Suslova (1930–2020)

“In memoriam: Prof. Galyna Andriivna Suslova (1930–2020).” Aviation, 24(4), pp. 19

Special edition of "Aviation"

Special edition of "Aviation". Aviation, 24(2), p. 50

Research on the compatibility of the calculation methods of rolling‐stock brakes

One of the main tasks approached by the European Union is the liberalisation of railway transport service market. The foremost problem solved in this paper is the interoperability of various railway systems in the countries of the European Union. Thus, the immediate goal is to solve the problem of the interoperability of different railway systems used in the European Union. A distinction between railway track gauges (from 1435 to 1668 mm), particular couples of wagons, various clearances of rolling stock, different systems of infrastructure etc. are the main impediments. One of the problems in the nearest future will be the evaluation of the brakes of different wagons produced in Western Europe and the former Soviet Union. Freight trains in Lithuania consist of these two types of wagons, and therefore some problems of correcting the results of calculating braking distances and brake force may arise. The main object of this research is to investigate the methods evaluating the brakes of rolling‐stock and to assess the possibilities of integrating and harmonizing these different methods. The reliability of the methods evaluating the brakes of rolling‐stock is one of the most important components enabling the interoperability of railway transport in the EU network. The brakes of Russian wagons are calculated by MPS Rules for Traction Calculations, approved by the Russian Ministry of Transport (till 2004 ‐ Ministry of Communication Ways of Russia)). On the other hand, the brakes of the wagons produced in Western Europe should be calculated applying TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) methodology. The main parameter following TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) methodology is braked mass and following MPS (Railway Transport Ministry of Russia) method ‐ a pressing force of the brake shoes. The questions of determining the braked mass of wagons and correcting mean braking distance are presented. The compatibility of two different evaluating methods is discussed. Finally, the basic conclusions are given. First published online: 27 Oct 201

COMPLEX EVALUATION OF ELECTRIC RAIL TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION IN VILNIUS CITY

The article analyses the current problems of Vilnius city public transportation. The possible solutions (options) and the technical means to improve the attractiveness of public transportation and accessibility are considered. Two main alternatives of means of electric transport (underground and tram) have been singled out for Vilnius city. The suitability of these rail transport means have been substantiated. The nature and density of the work and residence places (areas) of Vilnius city residents have been analysed. The scheme of tram and underground lines projected in Vilnius city are evaluated, which have been composed according to the current and forecasted flows of passengers, the nature of their changes and critical points. The technical economic indicators of the tram routes and underground lines in Vilnius city are analysed: average driving speed, average distance between the stations, the duration of the trip, the capacity of a single means of transport, the costs of line support and the size of investment. The accident rate of urban rail transportation is estimated. Comparative criteria of tram and underground lines are selected. The effectiveness of both rail means of transport in Vilnius city are compared according to three multi-criteria evaluation methods: the sum of ratings, simple additive weighting and geometrical means. The final conclusions and recommendations are provided

Theoretical and practical perspectives of diesel locomotive with DC traction motors wheel-sets’ slipping and sliding control

The causes of slipping and sliding of the locomotive's driving wheel-sets are analysed from theoretical and practical perspectives. The main factors influencing wheel-sets’ slipping are described, and their correlation is determined. The specific methods of stopping the slipping of the Diesel locomotives and having a conventional electric drive system are described in the paper. The process of wheel-sets’ slipping and its control are simulated and shown graphically. Structural diagrams demonstrating the control of the dynamic locomotive wheel-sets’ slipping and sliding, based on the evaluation of the influence of the speed-torque characteristics of DC traction motors on these processes, are presented. Major parameters of the DC/DC and AC/DC systems used in the automatic control of the dynamic slipping and sliding of the locomotive's wheel-sets are defined and new methods of controlling the dynamic slipping and sliding are suggested

Investigation on features and tendencies of axle-box heating

Breakdown of rolling stock axle-boxes if not detected in due time may cause a rail accident or disaster. At present, a lot of advanced technologies, modern equipment and devices, which “recognizes” faulty axle-boxes when the train is in motion, have been implemented. However, the timely identification of breakdown of rolling stock axle-boxes still is an acute problem, the initial stage of damage emergence being especially problematic. Presently, rolling stock axle-box breakdown is determined according to the higher than permissible temperature of the axle-box body. The article provides statistical data of dangerously heated axle-boxes, determined train delay durations, the number of delayed trains by danger level, and dependence of damage on the season. After systematization of data on axle-box damage and heating temperatures of broken axle-boxes, heating tendencies of axle-boxes of freight wagons are described. Finally, basic conclusions are given