A new measuring method of wheel–rail contact forces and related considerations

Abstract Measurement of wheel–rail contact forces is very important, but it is not executed so often because of its difficulties. A new measuring method introduced in this paper can measure such contact forces without special wheelsets equipped with strain gauges and slip rings or telemeters. In this method the lateral contact force is measured from the lateral distortion of wheel measured directly by several non-contact gap sensors. Normal and longitudinal contact forces are also measured from the deflection of spring or the strain of parts of the bogies except wheelsets. According to the results of full-size bogie stand tests and train running tests, it is verified that the new method has sufficient practicability of monitoring the contact forces on commercial lines.