Testing machine for railway shock absorbers
Damper testing
The function of a damper is tested by measuring its forces at defined bump and rebound speeds. The correlation between force and travelled way can be represented in a so-called force-velocity diagram. From this resulting diagram it can be determined whether the damper is still working within its specifications, or corrective actions are required.
Introduction to the machine
This latest version of the proven KONI damper-testing machine enables workshops to execute functional tests within less time and more accuracy. It is specially designed for testing horizontal and vertical mounted hydraulic shock absorbers with a maximum damping force up to 25 kN. This test rig is therefore perfectly suited to test the dampers used in railway applications.
This computer controlled test rig has the following advantages compared with fully mechanical machines:
• The system automatically generates the test results from the measurements and tolerance bands. This eliminates interpretation mistakes of the test results.
• Because of the higher accuracy of the electronic system, dampers can be readjusted within the tolerance bands of new dampers.
• Since the displayed diagram is very detailed, also small characteristic shape deviations are displayed, enabling timely corrective actions.
• Test results are electronically stored, making them available for later evaluation.
Machine layout
The machine consists of the following main parts:
• Test beam
• Main cabinet with drive system
• Control cabinet
Test beam
The test beam is a rotatable arm, which pivots around on the main bearing of the drive system. On this test beam the upper and lower mounting mechanisms are located, which are used to attach the dampers.
Main cabinet with drive system
The drive system of the machine contains a three-phase electric motor that drives the parallel lower bars on the test beam. The required power electronics are build inside a rigid steel cabinet with easy access to the components.
Control cabinet
The control cabinet is used to operate the testing machine and contains a computer, monitor, keyboard, A/D-D/A converter and printer.