Analysis of the Modernised Railway Vehicle Component with Regard to Reliability and Operational Safety

This paper presents an analysis of the design of the bogie pivot of an electric multiple unit, which is cast in cast steel to replace the forged pivot used to date. The change in pivot manufacturing technology is justified for economic reasons, but may affect the reliability and operational safety of multiple units. The authors analysed to what extent the change in pivot manufacturing technology from forged to cast can affect the operational reliability of the upgraded structural component and what requirements should be met so that the introduced upgrade does not reduce the operational safety of the electric multiple unit. An important part of the analysis is the consideration of the effect of preventive replacements of the rubber element of the vibration damper on damage to the pivot and vibration damper system. The dependence of damage to the cooperating components of the pivot elements and vibration damper in the system is demonstrated. The lifespan of the rubber element of the damper is considerably less than that of the bogie pivot of the electric traction unit, and its damage increases the probability of damage to the cast steel pivot. This relationship is critical and, in order to ensure the required reliability of the traction unit, a strategy of preventive replacement of the rubber element of the damper was proposed and achieved in the simulation model developed. This issue is presented in this paper because it is fundamental to the safe operation of rail vehicles.