In this lecture the theory of linear vibrational systems for describing the vertical and longitudinal vehicle motions is explained. Methods for the representation of excitations generated by uneven rails and for the analysis of their effect on the vertical vibrational behaviour are presented. Apart from the rigid body vibrations, the structural vibrations are of considerable importance for the comfort behaviour. In this context the modal analysis/synthesis method and the finite element method are explained. Based on the described vibrations, evaluation criteria to assess the vehicle comfort and safety (dynamic vertical wheel force), as well as the material stress, are shown.

Sfz II: lecture in German language (V2/Ü2)

RV II: lecture in English language (L2/E2)

The track guidance represents the most important distinguishing characteristic between road and rail vehicles. The kinematics and dynamics of the guidance of both the wheelset on the railway and entire vehicles along straight and curved tracks are of major importance for the overall driving performance. The track guidance dynamics receives particular attention all over the world, since it is closely related to the limit for economical and safe driving. Linear and non-linear procedures to describe the horizontal driving behaviour are covered in the lecture.

Sfz III: lecture in German language (V2/Ü2)

Contact: Patrick Schneider, M.Sc. RWTH

From winter term 2018/19 the module "Applied Rail Vehicle Technology" is offered.
The module is comprised of two parts:

This part deals with the constructive execution and function of the most important subsystems and components of railway vehicles with a focus on passenger vehicles. Starting from the biggest subsystem -  the car body, which itself has different constructional forms, a considerable part of the lecture is invested in the chassis, which is technically the most challenging subsystem. Different types of chassis are discussed from the perspective of track guidance and powertrain technologies. Subsequently, important chassis modules and components such as the frame, suspension springs, wheelset guides, the drive connection and the connection to the car body are presented, followed by a discussion about the wheel set and the independently rotating wheel pair. Thereafter, the lecture focusses on other important subsystems and components, such as the braking equipment, rolling stock connectors, buffers, the driver’s cabin as well as the doors and windows. The lecture concludes with an overview of the wagon interior.

Sfz IV, Part 1: lecture in German language (V2/Ü0)

The second part “Railway vehicle technology laboratory” aims to connect the application-oriented theory taught in the first part “Systems and components of railway vehicles” by conducting measurement tasks ranging from the straightforward type to those which are commonly conducted in the industry as standard. Depending on the measurement setup, e.g. comfort measurement or track geometry measurement, a suitable theoretical introduction is also given.

Sfz IV, Part 2: exercise in German language (V0/Ü2)

First, the special features of the product ‘Railway Vehicle’ as a capital good as opposed to the motor vehicle as a consumer good are presented in detail. This is followed by an overview of the product development process currently implemented in the rail vehicle branch. During the lecture, a continuous reference to commonly used product development methods is used, and it is shown how they are prepared according to the VDI guidelines 2206 and 2221. Their most important contents with reference to the railway vehicle are also discussed. 

Subsequently, the basics of product management in railway vehicle construction as well as the measures for efficiency improvement in engineering and risk mitigation are presented.

Sfz III: lecture in German language (V2/Ü2)

Contact: Carolina Rios-Serrano, M.Sc. RWTH