Effect of Filling Level on the Dynamic Performance and Derailment Risk of a Tank Wagon on Curved Track

Sadeghi, Shakib; Shahravi, Majid

doi:10.22068/ijrare.368

Volume 13, Issue 1 (1-2026) IJRARE 2026, 13(1): 127-136 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.22068/ijrare.368

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Sadeghi S, Shahravi M. Effect of Filling Level on the Dynamic Performance and Derailment Risk of a Tank Wagon on Curved Track. IJRARE 2026; 13 (1) :127-136
URL: http://ijrare.iust.ac.ir/article-1-368-en.html

Effect of Filling Level on the Dynamic Performance and Derailment Risk of a Tank Wagon on Curved Track

Shakib Sadeghi

, Majid Shahravi

School of Railway Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (185 Views)

The dynamic stability of partially filled tank wagons presents a critical challenge in the rail industry, where fluid sloshing can significantly impact operational safety. This study utilizes a three-dimensional multi-body simulation in Universal Mechanism (UM) software to investigate this phenomenon. An equivalent pendulum model, with parameters derived for each fill level, is employed to represent fluid behavior at 30%, 60%, and 90% loading on curved tracks. The analysis reveals a complex relationship between fill level and stability. While the quasi-static Nadal (L/V) ratio improves with the added mass of higher fill levels, the dynamic analysis tells a different story. The critical derailment speed paradoxically decreases by up to 20% as filling increases from 30% to 90%. This suggests that while a fuller wagon is more stable against rolling over at low speeds, it is more susceptible to derailment from dynamic oscillations at higher speeds. These findings demonstrate that fluid sloshing has a dominant, non-linear destabilizing effect that must be considered in wagon design and operational guidelines. This model provides a robust framework for optimizing wagon performance and suggests that speed limits may need to be tailored to specific fill ranges to enhance transport safety.The dynamic stability of partially filled tank wagons presents a critical challenge in the rail industry, where fluid sloshing can significantly impact operational safety. This study utilizes a three-dimensional multi-body simulation in Universal Mechanism (UM) software to investigate this phenomenon. An equivalent pendulum model, with parameters derived for each fill level, is employed to represent fluid behavior at 30%, 60%, and 90% loading on curved tracks. The analysis reveals a complex relationship between fill level and stability. While the quasi-static Nadal (L/V) ratio improves with the added mass of higher fill levels, the dynamic analysis tells a different story. The critical derailment speed paradoxically decreases by up to 20% as filling increases from 30% to 90%. This suggests that while a fuller wagon is more stable against rolling over at low speeds, it is more susceptible to derailment from dynamic oscillations at higher speeds. These findings demonstrate that fluid sloshing has a dominant, non-linear destabilizing effect that must be considered in wagon design and operational guidelines. This model provides a robust framework for optimizing wagon performance and suggests that speed limits may need to be tailored to specific fill ranges to enhance transport safety.

Keywords: Sloshing, Tank Wagon, Partially Filled, Multi-body Dynamics, Derailment Risk

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Type of Study: Applicable | Subject: Rolling Stock