A subsidiary of CRRC, China's leading train maker, has introduced a groundbreaking railway bogie designed for high-speed trains operating at 400 kilometers per hour.
Unlike standard externally mounted bogies, the new built-in design is 20 percent lighter, reducing a train's operational energy consumption by 15 percent and wheel-rail wear by approximately 30 percent. Additionally, maintenance costs for lines and bogies are expected to decrease by 15 percent over their lifecycle, making electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains greener and more energy-efficient.
Railway bogies play a crucial role in train performance by supporting the vehicle's mass, guiding it along the tracks, and cushioning shocks from track vibrations.
Remarkably, the new bogies can handle speeds up to 600 kilometers per hour, surpassing their designed capacity, as demonstrated by a test bench model.
\"The bogie is one of the key technologies needed for high-speed trains to run fast. It's like their 'legs',\" said Zhou Dianmai, a senior engineer at the company. \"Trains equipped with this new bogie can run faster, more steadily, and more quietly.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
