Scientific paper ID 2738 : 2025/3

The article presents the modern ments for the construction of freight wagon bogies. Given the international nature of rail transport, the construction of freight wagons used in Bulgaria must strictly comply with UIC standards and EU regulations. This is mandatory in order to ensure smooth running, safety and reduce the harmful impact on railway lines.

The design of the bogie combines several elements of the wagon running gear, the main of which are wheels, axle boxes and spring suspension. They provide increased load capacity and length of the wagons, facilitate entry into curves, improve the quality of movement by applying advanced types of spring suspension, vibration dampers and stability devices.

The strength ments for freight wagon bogies are combined with the need for simplicity and ease of construction, ensuring convenience during testing, inspection and repair. The bogies should have a minimum moment of freedom about the vertical axis to reduce the horizontal forces of wheel-rail interaction. The sufficient magnitude of the friction forces in the supports of the wagon body on the bogie reduces the intensity of rotational vibrations, and the elastic slides with damping devices provide transverse stability and prevent lateral swaying.

The analysis of the ments presented in this article can be used as a basis and a reference point for developing a practically applicable design of bogies for freight wagons in Bulgaria through adequate solutions and tools in accordance with the EU policy in the railway sector. It will be useful in determining the stages in the modernization of the existing fleet of freight wagons to bring it into line with modern standards for railway vehicles.