Nonlinear impedance characteristics of a gas hydraulic energy absorber and performance prediction for railway transportation of valuable goods

It is meaningful to investigate the nonlinear impedance characteristics of gas hydraulic energy absorbers (GHEAs) and their potential application in modern railway transportation of valuable goods. Fluid-mechanics-based full parametric modelling of a GHEA used in a high-speed train is performed, both simulations with the developed mathematic model and physical experiments are carried out on the static and dynamic characteristics of the GHEA. The agreement between the results of the simulation and the experiment with tolerable deviations validates the nonlinear mathematic model. Longitudinal train dynamics (LTD) modelling and simulation of a Chinese rapid freight train with the validated GHEA model or the conventional MT-2 friction-type energy absorber model is finally conducted. The results show that when the train uses GHEAs instead of MT-2 energy absorbers, the coupler forces and vehicle accelerations of the train are significantly reduced, and the vehicles operate more steadily in situations such as train startup, emergency braking and shunting operations; thus, gas hydraulic energy absorber is protective and would be alternative for equipping rapid freight trains for the transportation of valuable goods. The obtained nonlinear mathematic model in terms of the structural, oil and gas property parameters of the GHEA is useful and meaningful in further parameter design optimization of GHEAs and optimal specification of GHEAs for rapid freight trains.