Study of Anomalous Characteristics Exhibiting Between Fixing Force of Switch and Tongue Rail Opening Force

Abstract

The tongue rail opening force of a turnout is measured to indirectly estimate the fixing force of a turnout. Although tongue rail opening force is known to be proportional to the fixing force, it is also known that the proportional relationship sometimes does not hold. This non-proportionality can lead to mis-estimation of the fixing force, in turn causing malfunction of the switch due to the high fixing force. In order to solve this problem, we clarified the mechanism and causes of the mis-estimation related to contact between rails. The results of field investigations and motion simulation using a flexible multibody model of switch, were used to developed maintenance methods and a measurement tool for avoiding mis-estimation.