The article presents the results of the strength calculation of the FLAT RACK removable module design using the finite element method. The FLAT RACK removable module provides higher efficiency of freight transportation. The special features of the removable module are its components made of rectangular tubes and its fittings with viscoelastic bonds. The parameters of the profile for such a removable module are determined through the maximum resistance moments of its components. The research includes mathematical modelling of the dynamic loading on the removable module placed on a flat wagon during a shunting impact. The accelerations to the removable module are also determined. The results are confirmed by computer modelling of the dynamic loading on the removable module. It is found that the strength of the removable module is provided. The research conducted may be used by those who are concerned about designing advanced module-type rail vehicle structures and enhancing their operational efficiency.

The article presents a comparison of results of optimized calculation of a truss beam which was chosen as a combined construction. The results of calculation of a beam are compared using the method based on the properties of spacer systems and the calculation of the construction designed in LIRA software complex. The article is dedicated to verification of adequacy of the results of theoretical calculations of construction optimization. Values of longitudinal forces and bending moments appearing in a truss beam are chosen as convergence criteria. Two variants of construction loading are considered: a truss beam exposed to constant load only and a truss beam exposed to constant and temporary load. In the case under consideration, the minimum value (weight) of construction is an optimality criteria, variable parameters include beam panel length and camber height of a trussing rod. As a result, the construction will be considered optimal, if bearing and maximal (between the pillars) bending moments are equal in it. The result of verification of the obtained data is the value of error.

The publication presents the results of research into the strength of an improved tank container. The tare of a tank container can be reduced through application of composite material for the tank. In this case its mass can be 46% lower than t...

The object of this study is the processes of occurrence, exposure to, and redistribution of loads in the supporting structure of a removable module for the transportation of long cargoes. To adapt platform cars to the transportation of long loads, it is proposed to introduce a removable module with elastic-friction connections in the structure. In order to select the optimal profiles for the removable module, in terms of minimal material consumption, the calculation was carried out in the Lira software package. Based on the calculation results, a spatial model of the concept of the removable module was built. To determine the dynamic loads that act on the platform car loaded with a removable module, a mathematical simulation was carried out. It was established that the use of elastic-friction links in the structure of the removable module helps reduce its dynamic load, as well as the platform car, by 4.6 %. The resulting acceleration was taken into account when calculating the strength of the removable module. The calculation results showed that the strength of the removable module under operational loads is ensured. A feature of the reported results is that the proposed design of a removable module makes it possible not only to adapt the platform car to the transportation of long loads but also to reduce its load in operation. The scope of practical application of the results includes the engineering industry, in particular, railroad transport. Worth noting is that the conditions for the practical use of the results imply the introduction of elastic-friction links in the structure of the removable module. The reported research will contribute to compiling recommendations for the design of modern vehicle structures, in particular removable type, as well as for improving the efficiency of rail transportation.

The research is concerned with the use of double walls filled with aluminium foam for an open wagon in order to decrease the dynamic stresses during the operational modes. The research presents the strength calculation for the bearing structure of an open wagon with consideration of the engineering solutions proposed. It was found that the maximum equivalent stresses appeared in the bottom section of the centre sill behind the back support; they amounted to about 315 MPa and did not exceed the allowable values. The maximum displacements were detected in the middle section of the centre sill and amounted to 9.6 mm. The maximum deformations were 1.17 × 10⁻². The research also presents the strength calculation for a weld joint in the maximum loaded zones of the bearing structure of an open wagon and gives the results of a modal analysis of the bearing structure of the improved open wagon. It was found that the critical oscillation frequencies did not exceed the allowable values. The results of the research may be useful for those who are concerned about designing innovative rolling stock units and improving the operational efficiency of railway transport.

The object of research is the processes of occurrence, perception and redistribution of loads in the design of the car brake cylinder in operation. To compensate for angular shifts of the brake cylinder rod at its maximum exit from the housing, improvement measures are proposed. This improvement consists in the use of a safety element to limit the angular movements of the rod when leaving the body. The load of the brake cylinder rod during its angular displacements is determined. The condition for ensuring the strength of the rod is obtained. The optimal parameters of the pipe of the safety element (limiter) of the brake cylinder rod were determined by its allowable moment of resistance. For the possibility of moving the levers interacting with the stem, special windows are provided in the limiter. It is proposed to fix the limiter to the cover by welding. To determine the strength of the brake cylinder, a calculation was made using the finite element method. The results of a robust calculation showed that the maximum equivalent stresses occur in the brake cylinder cover and amount to 118.5 MPa. Therefore, the strength of the brake cylinder is ensured. A feature of the obtained results is that the proposed improvement can be applied not only at the stage of designing a brake cylinder, but also at the stage of modernization. The sphere of practical use of the obtained results is railway transport. The conditions for the practical use of the results are the absence of deformations of the brake cylinder rod. The research carried out will help to improve the efficiency of rolling stock brakes, ensure traffic safety, increase rolling stock speeds, deliver goods, etc. Also, the conducted research will contribute to the creation of developments to improve the reliability of the rolling stock brakes