High-tech running gear for the train of the future
The running gear of a train plays an important role in fast, reliable, safe and comfortable rail transport. This is why the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is working on a new, future-oriented running gear design as part of the Next Generation Train (NGT) flagship concept: it dispenses with continuous wheel axles and each wheel is driven separately and controlled intelligently. The advantages of this approach are many and varied: trains could be more efficient and quieter when travelling, with less wear and tear on wheels and rails.
The concept has already proved promising in simulations and experiments with a one-to-five scale model of the NGT running gear. For this reason, the DLR researchers have built a functional model and a full-scale test rig as the next major step. They want to get the landing gear up and running for the first time and test the position and function of the sensors and the control units.
With the help of this research infrastructure called NGT FuN, the technology will be further developed and demonstrated over the next few years. The DLR high-tech running gear will then be tested on special test benches at external rail service providers with the aim of completing a practical test on real rails as soon as possible.
High-tech running gear for the train of the future
High-tech running gear for the train of the future
The running gear of a train plays an important role in fast, reliable, safe and comfortable rail transport. This is why the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is working on a new, future-oriented running gear design as part of the Next Generation Train (NGT) flagship concept: it dispenses with continuous wheel axles and each wheel is driven separately and controlled intelligently. The advantages of this approach are many and varied: trains could be more efficient and quieter when travelling, with less wear and tear on wheels and rails.
The concept has already proved promising in simulations and experiments with a one-to-five scale model of the NGT running gear. For this reason, the DLR researchers have built a functional model and a full-scale test rig as the next major step. They want to get the landing gear up and running for the first time and test the position and function of the sensors and the control units.
With the help of this research infrastructure called NGT FuN, the technology will be further developed and demonstrated over the next few years. The DLR high-tech running gear will then be tested on special test benches at external rail service providers with the aim of completing a practical test on real rails as soon as possible.
Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
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