Dynamic analysis of locomotive-roller rig coupled system

This paper presents a mathematical model of a locomotive-roller rig coupled system. The complete model consists of the mechanical unit of the locomotive and roller rig, which is modelled as a multibody system in SIMPACK, and of a model of the locomotive and roller traction system control unit, which is defined in Simulink. These two units are connected by means of co-simulation. The present paper focusses on the modelling of the mechanical unit and roller rig control system, and on the comparison of simulated and experimental results. The influence of the top inclination of the roller (representing rail inclination) on the running stability of the tested locomotive on the roller rig has been investigated with the developed model. The simulation results show that the developed model is able to reproduce the dynamic behaviour of the roller rig system, therefore, it will be helpful for explaining the experimental results, optimizing the test plans and the operation of the test rig. Furthermore, the model will be used for developing the control strategy for the traction system in the next phase of the project.