Method for the reduction of measurement errors associated to the wheel rotation in railway dynamometric wheelsets

The precise experimental measurement of wheel–rail forces is vital both for railway vehicle acceptance processes and for research in vehicle–track interaction. With this aim, dynamometric wheelsets are used. These systems can be based on the installation of sensors either on the axle or on the web of the wheel. Existing measurement methods face a number of difficulties associated with wheel to rail contact, making them low accuracy solutions. One of the main difficulties encountered in methods based on wheel instrumentation is signal variation with wheel rotation. This work proposes a variety of solutions that provide an improvement over existing solutions, laying the starting basis for the development of modern dynamometric wheelsets that meet current requirements for accuracy.

► A new methodology to develop dynamometric wheelset is proposed. ► This methodology allows the elimination of undesired harmonics. ► The methodology has been tested experimentally.