Experimental Study On Acoustic Emission Detection Of Rail Vehicle Axles

With the development of the railway in the direction of high speed and heavy load, the safety of railway transportation is receiving more and more attention. And the locomotive and rolling stock axle is the key part which affects the safety of the vehicles. Most of the axle failures are caused by fatigue. So the study of fatigue strength of axle problem is crucial.This paper aims to study the fatigue strength problem of locomotive and rolling stock axle. Actual cases were adopted to show the axle failure modes in railway transportation. Various factors which influence the axle fatigue strength were analyzed under the present axle production craft and operating conditions, and effective measures were put forward to improve the fatigue life of the axle fatigue strength. European and Japanese axle strength design standards, as well as finite element calculation method, were introduced in detail, at the same time, the strength of powered axle of RD3was calculated using these standards, and they were compared according to the calculated results. Besides, the differences and their respective advantages and disadvantages were elaborated. With regard to axle for fatigue crack, this paper discusses the nondestructive testing technology, which has been widely applied at present, focuses on AE non-destructive testing, and compares it with other methods. AE non-destructive testing’s advantage is obvious. Though this technology has not been applied in the field of axle fatigue testing, it shows broad application prospect and great research value. In order to apply this technology actually, large numbers of trials are needed, of which axle test rig are indispensable. Axle test beds are rare and costly. So as to test, a small test bed is designed. Fatigue test is carried out on the axle small sample. This paper discusses the application of acoustic emission nondestructive testing technology in the field of axle crack detection. Now the test bed has been manufactured. But it is essential for the scientific research team to make long-term efforts to get the research achievements.In this paper, the factors which influence the axle fatigue strength and the improvement measures are elaborated.This will be a good theoretical basis for the improvement and practical production of the axle. AE non-destructive testing technique will be applied to the axle fatigue detection. Being studied and grasped gradually, the technology will have wide practical value and good effect.