BELAS | modular stress test rig for bogies

Stress test rigs used to preset bogies are designed to simulate the load conditions to which bogies will be subject when they are subsequently deployed in real operating conditions and to set them with sufficient reserve to prevent them from exceeding their tolerance limits too early.

Together with the carriage body in stress-free position during the corner force measurement, it is assumed that the wheel contact force differentials will be largely within the allowable tolerances if there is objective evidence of the prevention of derailment.

The design of a bogie stress test rig will always depend on the type of bogies being tested, the measuring task, and the degree of automation required. There is a basic choice of an underfloor model or a floor-mounted model.