Mathematical Modeling and Characteristic Analysis of the Vertical Stiffness for Railway Vehicle Air Spring System

Abstract

Establishing a correct and reliable vertical stiffness model has an important significance on reproducing the characteristics of an air spring system. In this paper, a dynamic vertical stiffness model is developed based on thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, and geometric parameters are identified by an approximate analytical method. Meanwhile, experimental tests are performed to verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed model. Furthermore, the impact of geometric parameters on the vertical stiffness characteristics is discussed through a sensitivity analysis. The conclusions show that the dynamic vertical stiffness model can well characterize the dynamic characteristics of the air spring system, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimal design of air spring parameters and the study of mechanical properties.