Since weight and cost reduction plus LCC requirements has become more demanding, the software simulation is playing a more important role. In the designing phase CFD and FEM analysis help to reduce costs and in the project phase, thanks to simulation software, Wabtec has developed a new methodology in order to face the customer requirements in terms of route simulations and energy dissipated. This new methodology is based on CFD studies and several dynamometer test bench and by means FEM and an internal dedicated software, it allows precise thermal analysis and detailed studies of energy dissipated during every route profile and in every running condition. This can finally allow a realistic evaluation of the LCC.

Stefano Cappellini, Paolo Poli, Davide Lumassi - Wabtec Poli