ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR AXIOM BOGIES AND SUSPENSION PRODUCTS
Background
In 1984 BR Research began development on a 25t axleload low track force freight bogie. Preceding the privatisation and break-up of BR the designs were sold on to Gloucester. A year later Gloucester was bought out by welsh wagon builders, Powell Duffryn Rail. PD Rail carried out a cost reduction of the LTF25 and came up with the TF25.
Later on PD developed the LTF13 for high containers and the TF25SA for high speed freight vehicles in Sweden. In 2002 PD Rail acquired Meridian Rail’s bogie business which included the AMIII bogie and the Unitruck. In 2004 the company was united under the ‘Probotec’ banner. In 2005, EWS bought the Probotec business, combining with EWS Rail Components to form Axiom Rail. Today Axiom Rail’s bogie business is supported by ESG, particularly involved in developing and working on approval of the European version of the TF25, the TF25E.
Project Overview
ESG support Axiom Rail primarily with Design, Calculation and UK & Europe submissions.
ESG has responsibility for the updating and Issuing of AutoCAD manufacturing drawings for the whole bogie and suspension range. The latest bogie developments use Inventor3D modelling software.
ESG is involved in improvements and new innovations. Examples include streamlining the number of components and cost and weight reduction.
ESG work on developing new products for Axiom Rail. Two latest examples include a high axle load, 100mph version of the TF25SA and the European version of the TF25.
A big part of what we do is manufacturing support. ESG are involved with looking at fabricated and fully cast components, looking at new materials, changing designs. The main drive being to ease manufacture and reduce costs.
Calculation
ESG carries out structural calculations and FEA simulations using the Ansys package. This helps in manufacturing support and new suspension designs and developments
ESG carries out extensive dynamics simulation of all products using the market leading Vampire simulation package. This aids in choosing and specifying components and new suspension designs and developments. Through Vampire we carry out approvals to UK and European standards.
Skills Profile
In depth knowledge of structural analysis
High standards of drafting using AutoCAD
Expertise in 3D modelling using Autodesk Inventor
Expertise in Finite Element Analysis using Ansys
In depth knowledge of railway dynamics
Expertise in dynamics simulation using Vampire
Support ‘in the field’
Test set up and analysis
Detailed knowledge of braking systems
Detailed knowledge and understanding of UK and European regulatory requirements
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