Theoretical comparison between different configurations of radial and conventional bogies

This article compares the dynamic behaviour of different configurations of radial and conventional two-axle bogies. In general, the design parameters for a better curve negotiation are not compatible with those for good stabi lity. As the main target of this article is to compare the curving performa nces of different bogies under the same design basis, several bogie configu rations with the same level of stability, obtained by choosing proper prima ry suspension stiffnesses, have been used. The comparison includes a conven tional bogie and three radial bogies with differing self-steering and force d-steering principles in three different passenger services: High Speed, Re gional and Mass Transit. The analysis has been concentrated on parameters s uch as stability, lateral wheel-track forces in curve and wheel wear indice s. The results show that the radial bogie configurations studied do not mak e significant contributions in general applications with regard to a conven tional bogie. It is only under specific running conditions and types of ser vice that some radial bogie configurations provide advantages with respect to the conventional bogie.