Bogies and running gears tests

Checking the dimensions and overall design of all types of bogie frame for type approval purposes.

Tests objectives :

• Perform static tests to check the dimensions of a bogie frame under
  – Regular mechanical loads (vertical, lateral, twist)
  – Specific mechanical loads (derailment, brakes, anti-roll bar, etc.)
  – Preparatory analysis for fatigue tests (GOODMAN and HAIGH diagrams)
• Conduct fatigue tests in order to verify the overall design and manufacture of a bogie frame
  – Regular tests (vertical, lateral and twist with roll and bounce)
  – Specific tests: traction, braking, inertia, etc.

Tests facilities :

• 1 test rig – for static and fatigue tests – totally modular
• 30 dynamic cylinders (40 to 400 kN)
• Non-destructive testing for crack detection
• Strain gauges
• Dynamic data acquisition system

Accreditations :

ISO/IEC 17025 awarded by COFRAC

Testing norms :

NF EN 13749 – Wheelsets and bogies – Method of specifying the structural requirements of bogie frames

UIC 615-4 – Bogies and running gear – Bogie frame structure strength tests

UIC 515-4 – Trailer bogies – Running gear – Bogie frame structure strength tests

UIC 510-3 – Wagons – Strength testing of 2 and 3-axle bogies on test rig

Checking and establishing axle dimensions and running gear failure analysis.

Tests objectives :

• Design new axles
• Conduct failure analysis on worn axles
• Check the conformity of axle design
• Perform fatigue tests on axles

Tests facilities :

• Tensile, resilience and hardness testing machines
• Dynamic test bench for rotational bending of axles
• Roughness tester
• Optical microscope
• Scanning electron microscope
• Non-destructive test instruments

Accreditations :

ISO/IEC 17025 awarded by COFRAC

Testing norms :

NF EN 13103 – Non powered axles

NF EN 13104 – Powered axles

NF EN 13260 – Wheelsets

NF EN 13261 – Axles

STM-R 102 – Wheelsets – Product requirements

STM-R 103 – Axles – Product requirements

Contributing to the type approval process of all types of bearings and axle boxes test rigs.

Tests objectives :

• Identify the performance of an axle box roller bearing
• Optimize potential useful life and life cycle
• Monitor behaviour and damage patterns thanks to thermal, acoustic and vibration measurements
• Conduct failure analysis. Analyse the lubricant

Tests facilities :

• Four SEM machines for testing axle boxes: Adjustable axial force ± 50 kN + Radial force up to 150 kN + Acceleration up to ± 4 m/s2 + Rotational speed up to 3,000 rev/min
• Non-destructive test instruments
  – Axle shafts in stock: O 100mm ; O 120mm ; O 130mm ; O 150mm
  – Other diameters made to order

Accreditations :

ISO/IEC 17025 awarded by COFRAC

Testing norms :

NF EN 12080 – Axle-boxes – Rolling bearings

NF EN 12082 – Axle-boxes – Performance testing

UIC 515-5 – Running gear – Tests for axle-boxes

STM-R104

Establishing wheel dimensions to optimize their performance and conduct failure analysis.

Tests objectives :

• Determine the fatigue limits of wheels
• Assess fatigue behaviour of nonaxisymmetric wheels (calculations and biaxial testing)
• Study crack propagation
• Conduct failure analysis

Tests facilities :

• Fatigue test bench for wheel (vertical force up to 400 kN and lateral force up to 100 kN)
  
• Dynamic measuring chains
  
• Strain gauges
  
• Non-destructive test instruments
  
• Scanning electron microscope

Accreditations :

ISO/IEC 17025 awarded by COFRAC

Testing norms :

NF EN 13260+A1 – Wheelsets and bogies – Wheelsets – Product requirements

NF EN 13261+A1 – Wheelsets and bogies – Axles – Product requirements

NF EN 13979-1 – Wheelsets and bogies – Monobloc wheels

NF EN 13262 – Wheelsets and bogies – Wheels

ERRI B169/RP9