The effect of train composition on the running safety of low-flatcar wagons in braking and curving manoeuvres

Low-flatcar wagons represent a good alternative to freight truck transportation. In fact, the whole truck can be easily loaded on these wagons. However, due to the railway vehicle gauge, these vehicles present a particular design with an important impact on the dynamics of the trainset and on its derailment risk. The present work aims at analysing the dynamic behaviour of the trainset and the influence of the freight train composition on the derailment risk. Numerical simulations have been performed to identify the most critical conditions. Then, an experimental campaign has been carried out to evaluate the derailment risk associated to these conditions.