Dynamic Modelling of the KTH Roller Rig

Abstract: The Rail Vehicle Research group at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) is on the path to design and build a scaled test rig called roller rig for research and educational purposes. A roller rig is a device simulating the track with rollers on which the test subject (a wheelset, bogie or even a full vehicle) canbe placed.This thesis report is part of a bigger project involving several team members and it explores the applicability of track irregularities on a scaled roller rig by means of computer simulations. A scaled roller rig model, capable of simulating track irregularities, is generated using the multibody simulation softwareSIMPACK. Track irregularity data, represented as Power Spectral Densities (PSD), are applied to the model created. The model created and implementation of track irregularities are assessed in order to validate the modelling steps.Comparison with a reference vehicle model is carried out to verify if results obtained on the test rig are representative of a vehicle running on track, taking into account roller rig intrinsic errors. Results obtained aim to support the design of the roller rig’s mechanical components from a dynamical standpoint.