Prediction of damping properties of elastomeric elements of draft gears of passenger cars

To reduce life cycle costs and increase the durability of draft gears, when developing new designs, it is necessary to take into account changes in the damping properties of elastomeric elements under the influence of operational factors. The main reasons for the decrease in the elastic-hysteretic properties of polymer materials are primarily related to their internal structure and the activity of individual components to create chemical compounds with environmental elements. Moreover, the process of accumulation of residual deformations in the material of the working fluid, which means an increase in rigidity, a decrease in the working stroke and energy intensity of the draft gear, occurs with different intensity, depending on the type of polymer material. The work analyzes the change in elastic-hysteresis properties of two types of damping materials: thermoplastic elastomer and rubber composite, based on the results of operational tests over a period of six years. The evaluation criteria selected were changes in the thickness of the element and the static hysteresis loop depending on the operating time. A forecast has been made for a decrease in the characteristics of the draft gear of a passenger car (energy intensity and power stroke) with solid elastomeric elements made from the materials considered during six years of operation. Recommendations are given to reduce the influence of the design features of rubber- metal draft gears on the aging processes of the polymer composite.

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