Influence of Lateral Friction and Individual Brake Elements on the Stability Behaviour of a Basic Magnetic Track Brake Model

Abstract

Magnetic track brakes (MTB) are additional braking systems for railway vehicles that are utilised in emergency and low adhesion conditions. Experiments have shown that the operation at low velocities can cause self-excited vibrations of the brake frame. In this paper, two different basic system models of the MTB are compared considering the onset of self-excited vibrations, and respective limit cycles after the loss of stability. Conducted investigations reveal the significance of modelling the lateral friction at the MTB–rail contact at low velocities. Moreover, depending on the consideration of the clearance between the pole shoes of the MTB and its frame, the system response can change qualitatively. Presented findings help to explain the observations made at experiments.