A new derailment coefficient considering dynamic and geometrical effects of a single wheelset

A new derailment coefficient of a single wheelset was theoretically developed by considering the dynamic and geometric effects from lateral acceleration and gyro factors as well as mechanical factors like flange angle, frictional coefficient, wheel-unloading, wheel radius, track gauge and position of axle bearings. This new derailment coefficient (lateral force over vertical wheel load, P/Q) can predict the commencement of various derailments, such as wheel climbing and lifting types, roll-over types and their combined types. In addition, this derailment coefficient can analyze the various dynamic and geometrical effects of a wheelset, which are not considered in the conventional derailment coefficients of Nadal’s and Weinstock’s formulas. This derailment coefficient was verified by comparing its theoretical anticipations of several examples with numerical simulation results using a commercial dynamic S/W, RecurDyn.