Application of austempered ductile irons to structural components of railway vehicles

In this thesis, a state of the art of the structural components of railway vehicles and the material used for their manufacturing is analyzed in order to find possible new applications for ADI (Austemperd Ductile Iron). The main scope of the research is therefore to demonstrate that high stressed steel components of railway vehicles can be replaced by casted ADI components. After a survey of the possible components to be produce in ADI, three possible applications were found: wheel centre for tyred wheels, bogie frame, couplers for heavy haul operation. A feasibility analysis was performed and after a preliminary design the project has been focused in the development of an optimized tyred wheel as replacement of the current wheel for an existing Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). Prototypes of this wheel have been finally manufactured and tested in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the application of ADI to the structural components of railway vehicles.