A mechatronic approach for active influence on railway vehicle running behaviour

A mechatronic wheelset concept is presented, by which relative torque interacting with the relative rotation of the wheels is actively applied to both wheels of an axle. This method provides both the increase of running stability at high velocities and steering of the vehicle with decrease of friction power and thus wear in curves. Therefore, the classical design conflict between running stability and good curve negotiation can be solved. These capabilities are presented by simulation and experimental results, performed with a two-axle vehicle on a 1:5 scaled roller rig.