Analysis of the problem of wear in the contact zone «centre plate – thrust bearing» of freight rolling stock and ways to minimize it

Abstract

To date, friction units are actively used in the structures of railway rolling stock. The parts that make up these nodes are operated in rather severe conditions, so there is a need to study the processes that occur in these nodes. Friction nodes are considered on the example of the interaction of a bogie model 18-100 elements, with one of the main elements being the «center plate-thrust bearing » node. The interaction of a centre pivot and a truck central bearing, vertical and horizontal efforts arising as a result of this interaction are analyzed. The design of the most common centre pivot node has been studied. As a result, the main advantages and disadvantages of the used centre pivot node were identified and the main defects and damages of the center plate and the thrust bearing arising during the operation of the center plate node were considered. Various processes that occur during the movement of rolling stock, such as: fitting into curved sections of the track, transshipment of the wagon body, squeezing grease from under the center plate, are one of the reasons for the intensive wear of the support and thrust surfaces of the center plate and the thrust bearing. It was concluded that one of the main problems encountered during the operation of a standard center plate unit is the wear of the support and thrust surfaces. The center plate nodes of other structures have been studied, as well as the proposed ways to reduce the wear of the support and thrust surfaces of the center plate and thrust bearing. The advantages and disadvantages of each proposed solution are revealed. The result of the study is a formal classification of the methods used to reduce wear in the center plate node.