The Finite Element Analysis For Forged Coupler Knuckle Assembly Of Wagons

Coupler knuckle is one of the most important bearing weight parts of train which is related with the safety and reliability of the train-running. With the further development of railway transportation of freight wagons running at higher speed and heavier load, the working conditions of coupler knuckle is getting worse, which make a high demand on performance of coupler knuckle. The research object of this study is the forged coupler knuckle used in recent years, do the finite element analysis for the coupler knuckle about life and interchangeability based on the investigation and study of the knuckle.Consider of the structural and conditions feature of the coupler knuckle, to comparative of various analytical methods, and select the finite element method as the basic analysis tool. Built the assembly physical model contain of coupler knuckle, coupler body and coupler lock by SolidWorks, do the geometry cleanup and mesh the physical model of the coupler by Hypermesh. Import the element model to ABAQUS, to analysis the interaction between coupler knuckle and its related parts, define the contact property and material properties, applied loads and constraints, built the finite element model for static analysis of the coupler assembly by ABAQUS.Do the analysis of coupler knuckle under tension and compression load. To simulate different stages of the use of the knuckle by adjust the structure size of the contact surface on coupler knuckle, the impression of stress state by the addition of the friction of coupler knuckle under tension load are obtained. Consider of the affection on assembly interchangeability of coupler by critical dimension tolerances on manufacturing process, to simulate the impression of stress state by the key processing dimensional tolerances under tension load by adjust the thickness of protection flange lateral stopper, put forward the best tolerance to improve the stability of service life.