Optimal design of variable suspension parameters for variable-gauge trains based on the improved CRITIC method

ABSTRACT The gauge differences of international rail lines have led to the emergence of variable-gauge trains. High-speed variable-gauge trains operating on different lines should meet the dynamic requirements. In order to achieve the above purpose and obtain better dynamic performance, a parameter optimization method for variable suspension systems is proposed. The SIMPACK dynamic model of high-speed variable-gauge trains is established. Six key parameters of the suspension system are chosen, and different suspension parameters are combined using the optimal Latin hypercube. Seven dynamic indices of the vehicle running on three different gauge tracks are solved separately. Weighted SNR is used to perform the multi-objective optimization. The improved CRITIC method is used to solve for the weight coefficients of each index, and find the optimal values of the key suspension parameters. The objective of adjusting the variable suspension parameters of variable-gauge trains is presented. Results from simulation show that the optimized suspension parameters can improve the dynamic performance of the variable-gauge vehicle, especially the derailment coefficient, the wheel load reduction rate, and the axle lateral force. The vehicle can operate with better dynamic performance on both gauge lines by using the designed variable suspension parameters.