Numerical simulations of the wheel-rail traction forces using the electromechanical model of an electric locomotive

This paper presents a methodology for modelling the movements of an electrical rail vehicle on any track. Vehicle movement is the result of the drive system of a vehicle transferring electromechanical torque generated by the electric motor onto the wheels of the vehicle; while the appropriate driving force is a result of forces resulting from contact between the wheel surface and the rail. The following applicable models were prepared: electromechanical (for electric motor connections that constitute rail vehicle drive) of the vehicle with the drive system and of the contact wheel-rail. These models were implemented in Matlab/Simulink. The presented simulation tool for rail vehicles has been used to test a variety of cases; demonstrating capabilities of the proposed method in a wide range of situations. These cases involved analysis of dynamics of the start-up of the EU07 rail vehicle in a straight line. The results obtained for the analysed rail are valuable information that makes it possible to determine both the loading of the locomotive drive system and to estimate the vehicle travelling speed.