The aim of this chapter is to investigate the possibility of improving the ride quality of a two-axle railway vehicle with single-stage suspension by using passive suspensions employing inerters. The goal is to improve the ride quality in vertical motion in response to track irregularities while keeping the suspension deflection within acceptable limits. Performance benefits for several simple passive suspension structures are demonstrated here in comparison with a conventional passive suspension.

Inspec keywords: railways; suspensions (mechanical components); locomotives

Other keywords: single-stage suspension; inerters; passive suspension; ride quality; two-axle railway vehicle suspensions

Subjects: Railway industry