uPod Wheels: An Efficient and Silent Modern Solution

Steel wheels are widely used in various modes of transportation, such as trains and streetcars. This technology offers many advantages: metal wheels enable high-speed travel, support heavy loads with minimal energy consumption, and eliminate the emission of environmentally harmful particles from tire abrasion. Engineers at Unitsky String Technologies Inc. have further enhanced this technology in designing steel wheels specifically for uST transport, resulting in a model that is both unique and efficient. 

No more excessive wear

In the conventional "railroad wheel–rail" system, excessive wear is a significant issue. Repair costs increase, and train schedules are disrupted due to faulty cars being removed from service.

The conical shape of traditional train wheels contributes to this problem, as it leads to uneven load distribution on the rail surface, causing slippage in the contact area. Additionally, this contact area is relatively small, resulting in high contact stresses—up to 1000 MPa.

Wheel wear is further exacerbated by braking mechanisms. For example, in streetcars, skid braking damages the wheel by wearing down a small section of metal, requiring about a week to repair.

In the uST Solution, a cylindrical steel wheel rolls on a flat steel rail head, eliminating slippage and distributing the load evenly. The contact area is increased, reducing contact stresses to 200 MPa—five times lower than in the conventional "railroad wheel–rail" system. Furthermore, uST transport, or uPods, is equipped with disc brakes and an anti-lock braking system to minimize additional wheel wear during braking.

High efficiency and low energy consumption

In conventional transportation, a significant amount of energy is consumed to overcome the rolling resistance of wheels and maintain forward motion. For example, an automobile typically uses 5–30% of its fuel to overcome this resistance. Steel wheels, as used in trains, lower energy consumption compared to rubber tires, yet the uST Solution actually minimizes it. By employing a "cylindrical steel wheel–flat steel rail head" set, the uST uPod achieves much lower rolling resistance, with an efficiency of 99.8% per such a set. In terms of rolling resistance, uPods achieve about twice the efficiency of traditional trains, correspondingly halving energy consumption.

Development for super-high-speed and silent transport

Trains and streetcars produce significant noise, primarily caused by the interaction between the wheel and rail, especially due to track wear and joints. Traditional railroads use rigid wheelsets, which are prone to auto-oscillations, further increasing travel noise.

The exceptionally quiet and smooth rolling of the uPod's steel wheel is achieved through several key factors. First, the track structure is continuous, with no expansion joints or irregularities caused by temperature fluctuations. Second, uPods feature damping supports that prevent harmful vibrations, while polymer inserts inside the wheels help soften shocks and impacts. Finally, multi-stage independent cushioning reduces vibrations and wheel clatter. These solutions make uST transport virtually silent, even at high speeds. 

The steel wheels used in uPods enable uST Transport & Infrastructure Complexes to fulfill their purpose of providing reliable, high-speed transportation.

Specialists at UST Inc. have refined the existing design by combining proven technologies with advanced know-hows. This has led to the creation of efficient, economical, environmentally friendly, comfortable and safe transportation solutions for both cargo and passengers.