Investigation of the specifics of freight wagon speed control by means of sliding blocks at a marshalling hub

Abstract

The present article tackles the specifics of the process of freight wagon speed control by means of sliding blocks at a marshalling hub where the sliding blocks are employed either to stop the wagon or to reduce its speed. The conducted study encompassed the scrutiny of the pertinent reference sources dealing with the characteristic features of sliding blocks. Moreover, theoretical studies elaborated in this area have been relied on. The factors influencing the efficiency of freight wagon braking performance have been determined and an impact of weather conditions on the braking process has been examined in the course of the present investigation. Furthermore, the factors leading to the reduced wagon braking efficiency and a possible jamming/sticking of the sliding block have been duly taken into account. Jamming/sticking of the sliding block may result in jumping of the wagon wheelsets over the sliding block and subsequent derailment of the wagon. In succession to the investigation in question the resulting recommendations are given in order to prevent the sliding block jamming/sticking and subsequent jumping of the wagon wheelsets from the rails.