Özet:

Coupling link is the general name of the connection equipment that enables the rail system vehicles (wagon, locomotive, train, etc.) used in freight and passenger transportation to move together. Coupling links are responsible for the transmission of static loads coming to the vehicles, as well as the transfer of electrical and air connections, and the design and manufacture of the elements that make up the system are made according to various standards. On the other hand, it is important to lighten all the parts that make up the vehicles in terms of faster and at the same time safe transportation in the logistics sector. In this study, it is aimed to reduce the weight by improving the design of the coupling link, which is one of the hook coupling elements, with topology optimization. Penalized solid isotropic material (SIMP) method, also known as density method, was used in topology optimization. Firstly, finite element analysis was applied to the coupling link modeled in accordance with the standard for 120 kN and 150 kN loading conditions. Then, stress distributions and displacements were compared by applying FEA under the same conditions for the model developed with topology optimization. The highest Von Mises stresses for both loading conditions were obtained as 176,30 MPa and 220,40 MPa, respectively. In addition, the highest displacement amounts for the new design coupling links are calculated as 0,23 mm and 0,28 mm, and these values are within the limits specified in the relevant standard. As a result, the mass of coupling link was reduced by 9,04% by successfully applying the topology optimization. In addition, it has been concluded that the coupling link is more convenient to manufacture with additive manufacturing technology due to the complexity in the geometry of the model developed with topology optimization. All results show that the topology optimization methodology can be safely applied in reducing the weight of rail system vehicles, thus making significant contributions to sustainability.

Anahtar Kelimeler: