Analyses of an AC Linear Actuator for Cross-Wind Stabilisation and Rail Stress Reduction

Abstract

High-speed trains in light weight design require an actuator for cross-wind stabilisation. Also rail stresses due to heat generation by linear eddy current brakes (LECB) are still in discussion. This paper deals with the concept and design method of an AC linear actuator for cross-wind Stabilisation and the reduction of rail heating. The linear actuator analysed in this work is first optimized for a maximum normal force for a given installation space and different pole pair numbers using an analytical approach. In a second step the brake force is analysed for different pole pair numbers with a harmonic 2-D-FEM analyses. To demonstrate the potential reduction of the rail temperature compared by using the linear eddy current brake of the ICE-3, a transient thermal 1-D-simulation of the rail head is done by using the heat generation rate of the harmonic 2-D-FEM analyses. The results show that the required normal force for cross-wind stabilization determined in the previous work can be achieved. With the constraints that two ICE-3 units passes the rail at maximum speed and braking force, the rail temperature can be reduced by 55 degree c compared to using the LECB of the high speed train ICE-3 of the German Railway (Deutsche Bahn).