Development of a Lightweight GFRP Composite Bogie: Fatigue and Running Stability Tests

초록

In this study, a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite bogie for the urban subway has been developed. The composite frame of the GFRP bogie was 33.0% lighter than one of the conventional steel bogies. In the development process of it, the structural safety and the running stability were evaluated under the repeated loading of 107cycles and roller rig test. In the fatigue test, the three types of dynamic loads (vertical, lateral and twisting loads) were simultaneously imposed to the bogie frame. During the fatigue test, the inside cracks of the bogie frame were monitored using X-ray radiograph method. In the running performance test, the critical speed of the bogie system was measured using a fully equipped bogie assembled with a body structure. Both of tests showed that the lightweight composite bogie satisfied the design requirements with respect to the durability and dynamic performance.