A model-less technique for the fault detection of rail vehicle suspensions

This paper presents a novel method for the fault detection and condition monitoring of rail vehicle suspensions. The proposed technique takes advantage of the vehicle (suspension) configurations that are often symmetrical, and explores the additional dynamic interactions between different motions of a bogie or body caused by the failure of suspension components. The basic principle of the proposed detection method is presented and the interactions due to suspension fault conditions are analysed using a conventional two-axle bogie. Side-view models of a bogie vehicle are used in the study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the novel method in detecting damper faults in the suspensions. Both linear and bi-linear dampers are studied.