Modernization of the main vibrating plates of the primary track alignment machine

In the context of increasing intensity of rail transportation and the need to improve the efficiency of infrastructure operation, the task of ensuring high-quality and uniform compaction of the ballast layer during scheduled preventive track alignment is becoming especially urgent. Analysis of existing technical solutions showed that the currently used cyclic and continuous-cyclic track alignment and tamping machines have a number of significant limitations associated with the destruction of sleepers, non-uniform distribution of ballast density and low speed of operations. In this regard, there is a growing interest in the use of primary track alignment machines (PRSM), which have a different design of the vibratory working element, and in particular, the ability to implement continuous horizontal compaction of crushed stone from the ends of the sleepers. This work is aimed at improving the technological efficiency of PRSM machines by upgrading the design of the main vibratory plate. The aim of the study was to design and justify the design of a vibratory plate with improved geometric characteristics and an adaptive control system for the angle of rotation of the ballast splitter, ensuring stable compaction quality in various operating conditions. To achieve the set goal, the methods of graphic-analytical modeling in the SolidWorks automated design system, numerical calculation of the strength characteristics of the design elements, as well as analytical modeling of the ballast layer compaction parameters using a specially developed software package in the Delphi-7 environment were used. Based on the calculations obtained, a digital 3D model of a vibratory plate with a new kinematic suspension scheme and controlled hydraulic elements was created. The results of the graphic-analytical analysis showed that the modernized design ensures the achievement of a specified relative ballast settlement in the range of 0.15–0.2, while the safety factor for the yield strength is 2.18, which indicates high reliability of the design. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of introducing the developed solutions into the design of serial MPV machines, which will significantly improve the uniformity of ballast layer compaction, minimize the destruction of sleepers and increase the productivity of track alignment operations at the infrastructure facilities of JSC Russian Railways. The novelty of the study lies in the systemic integration of the results of analytical, numerical and CAD calculations aimed at creating an adaptive vibration working element for continuous compaction of ballast during scheduled preventive alignment of the track.

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