An Experimental Study on the Performance of Guard Angle of Meter-Gauge Track During an Earthquake

Abstract

In this paper, the characteristics of the guard angle at earthquakes are clarified through the actual bogie oscillation test, which is generally placed in sharp curves for meter-gauge railways. It is confirmed that the plastic deformation of the guard angle can occur when the contact force acting between the wheel and the guard angle exceeds about 50 kN. In addition, it is clarified that the guard angle maintains its performance designed for preventing derailment even if it receives the short-time impact force which is observed during an earthquake. Furthermore, the positive effects of the guard angles on the derailment prevention of the meter-gauge trains during earthquakes are clarified using numerical simulations.