Scientific paper ID 1049 : 2014/3

The presented paper is dedicated to the modern trends and solutions in the field of testing and evaluation of the elastic elements (springs) and damping devices of the rolling stock suspension system. The main focus of the paper is summary analysis of the testing techniques, constructions of testing benches and devices, and test results of actual samples. On the basis of the considered systems and the test results obtained in the tests appropriate conclusions and assessments are made.

The ments for comfort and safety of passengers demand strict control on the elastic elements of the suspension of high speed rolling stock. This is undoubtedly related to conducting a regular bench testing of the elastic elements in order to obtain their characteristics, evaluate their working condition, their proper arrangement in the suspension after repairs and servicing and maintaining records of test results.

The latest developments in the field of electronic devices, sensors [1] and software control allow integration of systems that simulate loading of the suspension elements in their full working range with enough accuracy, fast and easy, and in this way to obtain their characteristics from which a conclusion about the working condition could be made.