Structural Improvements in a Tank Wagon with Modern Software Packages

Abstract

For transportation of dangerous goods rail transport uses tank wagons. Structural changes can contribute to reduction in the maximum stresses, and as a result, to improvement in technical and economic characteristics of a tank wagon. In order to investigate the stress-strain state of a tank wagon the finite element model was built, its adequacy having been checked by results of analytical calculations and experiments. It has been applied for numerous researches to find the most effective bracket support structure by comparing it to the existing structure. The laws of stiffness change in radial direction and the laws of contact pressure change have been demonstrated. The improved structure has been checked by a load spectrum according to normative documents.