This paper is dedicated to the strength assessment of powered axle of shunting locomotive MDD-04, manufactured for Swiss market by Bulgarian Rolling stock manufacturer Express Service Ltd. Like many other components of the newly built locomotives, the axles are also subject to strict approval procedures. Based on geometrical characteristics of the axle combined with loads acting on the axle, as defined in European standard EN 13104:2009+A2:2012, strength assessment according to calculation method defined in this standard was performed. In this way obtained safety factor values were not satisfying, so it was decided to use Finite Elements Method for validation of first calculation results. Since the results obtained with first calculation method did not meet the requirements, and with the FEM they were satisfactory, an attempt was made to approve the design only with FEM. Although the results were satisfactory, the notified body demanded a change in the original design to be made, because of approval procedures prescribed in EN 13104. The results of the new calculations were more satisfying, so the powered axle could be approved by notified body. The new design of the axle was released for commissioning and use in new produced locomotives.

strength, assessment, powered axle, FEM-analysis, calculation