ABSTRACT
I. Main Functions of the Running Gear and Terminology................................................... 40
II. Bogie Components ............................................................................................................. 40
A. Wheelsets ................................................................................................................... 40
B. Axleboxes................................................................................................................... 44
C. Wheels ........................................................................................................................ 46
D. Suspension.................................................................................................................. 46
E. Elastic Elements (Springs)......................................................................................... 47
F. Dampers...................................................................................................................... 51
G. Constraints and Bumpstops........................................................................................ 56
1. Horn Guides ........................................................................................................ 57
2. Cylindrical Guides............................................................................................... 57
3. Beam Links.......................................................................................................... 59
4. Constraints Using Radius Links.......................................................................... 59
5. Constraints Using Trailing (Radial) Arms.......................................................... 60
6. Traction Rods ...................................................................................................... 60
F. Car Body to Bogie Connection.................................................................................. 61
1. Flat Centre Plate.................................................................................................. 61
2. Spherical Centre Bowl ........................................................................................ 61
3. Centre Pivot ......................................................................................................... 62
4. Watts Linkage ..................................................................................................... 62
5. Pendulum Linkage............................................................................................... 62
6. Connection of Car Body to Bolsterless Bogies .................................................. 63
III. Common Passenger Vehicle Bogie Designs ..................................................................... 65
IV. Common Freight Wagon Bogie Designs........................................................................... 67
V. Common Tram Bogie Designs .......................................................................................... 71
VI. Principles of Selecting Suspension Parameters................................................................. 72
A. Selecting Vertical Suspension Characteristics .......................................................... 73
B. Selecting the Lateral and Longitudinal Primary Suspension Stiffness..................... 75
C. Selecting Suspension Damping ................................................................................. 77
VII. Advanced Bogie Designs ................................................................................................... 79
References....................................................................................................................................... 83
The principal difference between a railway vehicle and other types of wheeled transport is the
guidance provided by the track. The surface of the rails not only supports the wheels, but also
guides them in a lateral direction. The rails and the switches change the rolling direction of wheels
and thus determine the travelling direction of the railway vehicle.
