Abstract: The side frame is the key component of train bogie, and its fatigue property and crack state
directly determines the operation security of locomotive vehicles. This paper starts with the typical
locations where fatigue cracks easily appear in maintaining the side frame, thus the necessity of
acoustic emission is proposed. The three-dimensional modeling method is combined with 3 kinds of
finite element software (UG, HyperMesh and ANSYS/LS-DYNA), and the transmission
characteristics of the acoustic emission signals in the side frame were simulated and visualized.
Finally, the experimental program was proposed based on the simulation analysis, and the lead break
testing system of the acoustic emission in the side frame was established. The application feasibility
of the acoustic emission technique was tested on large railway components.

Key words: acoustic emission, side frame, wave velocity, acoustic wave, lead break testing