Research on optimal curve negotiation speed of straddle-type monorail vehicles

To ensure the safe, rapid, and stable curve negotiation of rail vehicles, the current approach typically equates the centrifugal force to the resultant force of the track support force and gravity. However, due to the use of pneumatic rubber tires, straddle-type monorail vehicles may experience unexpected yaw deviations caused by inconsistent tire deformations, ultimately affecting wheel-rail forces and dynamic performance. This paper analyzes the problem of bogie deviation from the ideal track path caused by inconsistent tire deformations, pointing out that the optimal speed should be higher than the theoretical value calculated using conventional railway vehicle methods. By employing the bogie roll angular velocity and the Sperling index W, this study investigates the bogie operating conditions and dynamic performance of the vehicle at different speeds through dynamic simulation. Based on the comprehensive research results, it is proposed that the optimal curve negotiation speed for a curve with a 10.2% superelevation and a 100 m radius should be 38 km/h.