Parametric sizing study for the design of a lightweight composite railway axle

The potential for lightweighting of railway axles was investigated to primarily reduce the unsprung mass a rail vehicle. reduction equates an overall lighter train which will help track damage, energy consumption and total operating costs. This work performed within NEXTGEAR project is ascribed under Shift2Rail program. paper focusses on design composite axle as part “Wheelset future” Work Package 3. A parametric study presented sizing one concepts (the full-length pre-manufactured tube axle) that shows greatest reduction. uses existing hollow steel benchmark mass, strength stiffness. estimated this 50 kg. represents 75% compared axle.