Dynamic Characterizations of a Light-weight GFRP Composite Bogie Frame

초록

A glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite bogie frame has been designed and manufactured. The lightweight GFRP bogie frame is designed to not only sustain heavy static and dynamic loads but also have the function of suspension. Therefore, its dynamic characteristics are an important factor. In this study, its natural frequency was evaluated by means of modal test and the test results were validated using finite element analysis. Using such dynamic characteristics obtained experimentally, the running performance of a railway vehicle equipped with the GFRP bogie frame was assessed. The first bending natural frequency of the composite bogie frame was 22.8Hz and it was corresponding to 27.7% of the steel frame. The vehicle dynamic analysis results showed that critical speed, derailment index, ride comfort, and dynamic wheel unloading values satisfied the design requirements.