Design optimization of a freight car wheel

Author

Dedmon, Steven L. ; Pilch, James M.

Author_Institution

Stand. Steel, Burham, PA, USA

fYear

2001

fDate

2001

Firstpage

35

Lastpage

38

Abstract

Design optimization of a freight car wheel was performed employing statistical techniques. A three-step process was developed to arrive quickly at an optimum solution that provided lower stresses. At all stages weight reduction and the ability to manufacture were considered. The initial criteria were established by creating and analyzing several designs in which significant dimensional attributes were varied. During the second stage, we concentrated on those variables that resulted in reduced thermal stresses. The third stage involved final optimization wherein the combined effects of thermal and mechanical loads were evaluated. ANSYS 5.6.1 Finite Element software was used

Keywords

finite element analysis; mechanical engineering computing; optimisation; railways; thermal analysis; thermal stresses; ANSYS 5.6.1 Finite Element software; final optimization; freight car wheel design optimisation; mechanical loads; nonlinear elastic range mechanical analysis; nonlinear thermal mechanical analysis; reduced thermal stresses; statistical techniques; thermal loads; three-step process; tread surface; weight reduction; Costs; Design optimization; Finite element methods; Geometry; Manufacturing; Process design; Steel; Thermal loading; Thermal stresses; Wheels;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Railroad Conference, 2001. Proceedings of the 2001 IEEE/ASME Joint

Conference_Location

Toronto, Ont.

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7085-6

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/RRCON.2001.921749

Filename

921749