Work

Topology and Sizing Optimisation of Cowcatcher for Enhancing Post-Derailment Passive Safety Performance

Year: 2024

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: The train cowcatcher not only sweeps aside animals, debris, or objects obstructing the tracks, preventing damage to a train and reducing the risk of derailment, but it also serves as a passive safety protection mechanism after a derailment.However, due to intense impact forces, the cowcatcher may sustain severe structural damage, potentially compromising its passive safety protection capability.To address this issue, this paper employs a collaborative optimisation approach to conduct topology and sizing optimisation of the cowcatcher, aiming to reduce its mass while enhancing structural strength and passive safety protection performance after a derailment.Validation tests were conducted for both pre-and post-optimized cowcatchers in the derailment simulations.The results indicate that the post-optimized cowcatcher exhibits stronger structural stability, and its passive safety protection capability is improved.

Source: Civil-comp conferences

DOI: 10.4203/ccc.9.4.6

Authors: Z. Tang, Z. Peng, S. Liu, T. Chen, Z. Qu

Institution: Southwest Jiaotong University

Language: English

Topic: Topology Optimization in Engineering

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Southwest Jiaotong University