Master Thesis: FE-modeling of bellows in gangway systems

AFRY Technical Analysis is the largest consulting CAE-department in Sweden, with extensive experience within structural and fluid mechanics from a wide range of clients in several industries. We are deeply involved in many projects, both national and international, and provide our clients with market leading CAE-competence.

The transport industry is at the forefront of simulation technique and methodology in virtual development and is constantly striving to improve. As the industry has moved towards a more simulation-driven design process the demand for simulation accuracy and efficiency have increased.

This master thesis is a collaboration between AFRY and AFRYs clients within the rail vehicle industry. The student will develop new simulation methodology for predicting loads and movements within bellow suspended gangways. A gangway is mounted between two train cars, and acts as a safe passageway for passengers. It consists of structural frames, floor, and flexible bellows that allow for movement and function as a noise and environmental barrier. The gangway must be able to carry the load from passengers as well as the accommodate the movement of the train cars.

The goal of this thesis is to develop a bellow model that is accurate and efficient and decrease lead time. The results can pave the way for new modelling guidelines (calibrated against test data), a more effective way of working and increased simulations accuracy.

ANSA and implicit LS-DYNA will be used as main tools. Physical tests are performed at AFRY client to verify the analysis and results.