ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Passive Hydraulic Steering (PHS) systems for locomotives exist in concept and prototypes have indicated considerable potential for reducing rail and wheel wear. The prototype systems also indicate decreased noise and vibration when negotiating tight corners on rail roads (Swenson & Scott, 1996). However, the existing prototype solutions are not optimal yet and improvements are necessary. To be able to identify potential problem areas and implement improvements, the need exists to perform computer simulation and experimental testing of the hydraulic system. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief overview of the PHS system and describe the development of a validated mathematical model of an existing prototype PHS system. The PHS system was successfully modelled and validated against test data. This model can now be used in a multi-body dynamics locomotive simulation model to fine tune the PHS parameters for optimal wear reduction.
