SAND FEEDING SYSTEMS UNDER THE WHEELS OF MODERN LOCOMOTIVES

Abstract

This article discusses such terms as boxing and SW, the causes of their occurrence, the terms accompanying these phenomena. The negative properties of these phenomena are also considered, which worsen the dynamics and affect the safety of rolling stock movement, as well as entail additional costs. We are talking about the fight against boxing and skidding by adding an expensive and specially prepared friction modifier (quartz sand) to the contact zone of the wheel and rail, which is able to increase the coefficient of adhesion up to 20%. This method is considered on the example of the VL85 locomotive, an analysis of this system is carried out and a disadvantage is revealed, which consists in the absence of an automatic sand supply control system capable of adapting to specific operating conditions. Based on this, a problem has been identified in the quality of sand supply control systems, and a task has been set for a critical analysis of existing anti-boxing and SW protection systems, and their classification. It was decided to use the systems presented and described in various patents, as well as on the example of the VL85 locomotive, to classify the existing anti-boxing and anti-skid protection systems. During the analysis and classification, the operating conditions, locomotive parameters and factors that affect the coefficient of friction in the area of contact of the locomotive wheel with the rail were revealed. In the course of this work, it is concluded that it is necessary to create a system that would take into account all the factors affecting the conditions and parameters that ensure the best coefficient of friction in the contact of the wheel and the rail of the locomotive.