Abstract
The purpose of this study is to improve a sharp curving performance through the use of the torsion equalizer mechanism. When cars pass through a curved section with a small cant transition ratio on a sharp curve, the change of wheel load distribution would be caused due to carbody torsion. Particularly, the outer wheel load on a leading axle would be decreased at an exit of transition curve. The torsion equalizer mechanism is configured by two mechanical links or two containment fluid circuits which join between front and rear bogie bolsters in lateral directions of the front and rear bolsters. When one wheel unloading is caused in a transition curve, the mechanical link or hydraulic circuit would work between front and rear bogies. In case that the wheel load on a leading axle is decreased, the link or cylinder would be extended and generate downward reaction force to the bogie frame. Consequently the wheel load on a leading axle would be recovered. The effect of this mechanism could be confirmed that the wheel load distributions on sharp transition curves of a car equipped with the torsion equalizer mechanism are improved by the stationary test of an actual scale vehicle. Also confirmation of the robustness of the torsion equalizer mechanism (such a car weight including passengers, air springs deflated / inflated, and change of primary suspension characteristic due to aging) was obtained through the use of multi-body dynamics simulation to support an effect of the torsion equalizer mechanism.
