A model of an actively controlled roller rig for tests on full-size railway wheelsets

A mathematical model of a roller rig for full size tests on a railway wheelset is proposed. The model is used in order to allow optimal utilization of the testing facility and is expected to give important insights into wheel-rail contact modelling and wear mechanisms, through comparison between numerical results and experimental ones performed in a controlled and stable environment. The mathematical model includes a description of the mechanical system, of the hydraulic actuators and of the electric servomotors used to control the motion of the wheelset. Comparisons between measurements performed on the roller rig and numerical results provided by the model are reported and briefly discussed.