Drop Shunt Tests

Checking the drop shunt capacity of rolling stock for type approval purposes.

Tests objectives:

Monitor and record all the drop shunt characteristics of tractive and trailing stock

Tests facilities:

• Synchronization of data acquisition systems by GPS-CLOCK
• Specially equipped track section in Plouaret (Brittany, France)
• Data acquisition and processing unit

Testing norms:

(SAM S 004) (OP 009912) – Drop shunt capacity of rolling stock and brake shoes

Check the influence of brake shoes on track circuit shunting.

Tests objectives:

• Conduct reduced scale, simulations of “wheel-brake shoe” braking
• Provide decision-making support for selecting the best friction material (for a given application)
• Help demonstrate thedrop shunt capacity of the materials used to make the brake shoes installed on wagons
• Help optimize drop shunt tests on the open line for rolling stock equipped with brake shoes (other than wagons)
• Measure the effects of pollution of a brake shoe or material on a sample of wheel steel

Tests facilities:

• Drop shunt test rig (including 2 samples of brake shoes rubbing on a disc)
• Tools for measuring engine speed, contact force and braking torque
• 2 thermocouples embedded in the wheel steel sample

Testing norms:

UIC B169/RP 33 – Effect of composite braking materials on track shunt