Dynamics Characteristics Analysis of Rack Railway Guiding Equipment of Mountain Rack Railway Train with Considering Wheel-Rail Contact

A multi-body dynamic simulation model is established to study the rack railway guiding equipment (RRGE) in the mountain rack railway train system. This model incorporates the effects of wheel rail-rack rail contact and linear spring damper, which can accurately depict the dynamic response of RRGE. Considering the factors such as train passing speed, vertical distance, and initial gear posture, the model is first applied to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the gear. Then according to the gear entry condition and gear rotational speed, the vibration response of RRGE when the gear passing through rollers is analyzed. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of gear and RRGE under two extreme conditions are comparatively analyzed, and a set of parameters are proposed to ensure the smooth transition of the train. The simulation results show that, to ensure the safety of the mountain rack railway train, it is recommended to set the vertical distance at 173 mm and the initial gear posture at tooth contact. Furthermore, when selecting the train passing speed, factors such as gear entry condition, train operation efficiency, and shock vibration level should be taken into consideration.