Experimental investigation of yaw damper performances: an improved and harmonised testing methodology developed within ModTrain EU project

The paper presents some results from the activities performed in the Modbogie subproject (part of the Modtrain research project), having as objective the standardisation and modularisation of components and subsystems in the running gear. An important goal in this view is the standardization of spare parts as well as the standardization of interfaces of those spare parts. For instance, advantages can be achieved by railway operators in purchasing spare parts and minimize the sorts, so that different suppliers for these parts are available on the market. In particular, the paper deals with standardisation issues concerning yaw dampers, which at present still are non-interchangeable components for dimensions, interfaces and performance specification. The paper tackles this problem by a twofold approach: from one side, standardization of geometrical interfaces and overall dimensions is proposed, but a proposal is brought forward also concerning testing and qualification methods. In fact, geometric standardization shall go along with the definition of clear, standardized and harmonised methods to quantify the performances of the component: only by this approach, a full interchangeability will be achieved, in the sense that changing from one component to another, besides ensuring geometric compatibility, will also ensure that the performances of the bogie subsystem are not modified.