MonoCab – Simulation-based development of a running gear concept for monorail vehicles

Currently, numerous single-track railway lines are disused due to economic reasons. However, one way they could be reactivated for a bidirectional on-demand service traffic by small vehicles that use only one rail. MonoCabs are such small cabin-like vehicles, stabilized by a system of control moment gyroscopes and a moveable mass. They could make an important contribution to improve the mobility offer especially in rural areas. Regarding the MonoCab, there is currently no reference in comparison with other vehicles and no experimental experience or the like. To ensure the function and safety of the vehicle even before implementation, a model-based design of the system is carried out for development and analysis. This paper is focused on the running gear of the MonoCab. In order to take into account the complex interaction between the running gear and the stabilization system, the entire system must be considered here including the wheel/rail interaction. Co-simulations are performed considering both the mechanical model of the vehicle and the control of the stabilization to accurately represent the dynamics of the overall system. The simulation results show that safe operation can be ensured by the vehicle's running gear in combination with the stabilization system and that the functionality of the system can be ensured in operation.