Wheel Rail Interface Handbook

Book Description :

Many of the engineering problems of particular importance to railways arise at interfaces and the safety-critical role of the wheel/rail interface is widely acknowledged. Better understanding of wheel/rail interfaces is therefore critical to improving the capacity, reliability and safety of the railway system. Wheel-rail interface handbook is a one-stop reference for railway engineering practitioners and academic researchers. Part one provides the fundamentals of contact mechanics, wear, fatigue and lubrication as well as state-of-the-art research and emerging technologies related to the wheel/rail interface and its management. Part two offers an overview of industrial practice from several different regions of the world, thereby providing an invaluable international perspective with practitioners’ experience of managing the wheel/rail interface in a variety of environments and circumstances. This comprehensive volume will enable practising railway engineers, in whatever discipline of railway engineering – infrastructure, vehicle design and safety, and so on – to enhance their understanding of wheel/rail issues, which have a major influence on the running of a reliable, efficient and safe railway. One-stop reference on the important topic of wheel rail-interfaces Presents the fundamentals of contact mechanics, wear, fatigue and lubrication Examines state-of-the-art research and emerging technologies related to wheel-rail interface and its management

Book Description :

This title incorporates the 15th proceedings of the very successful International Conference on Railway Engineering Design and Operation (COMPRAIL) series, which began in Frankfurt 1987 and continued in Rome (1990); Washington (1992); Madrid (1994); Berlin (1996); Lisbon (1998); Bologna (2000); Lemnos (2002); Dresden (2004); Prague (2006); Toledo (2008); Beijing (2010); the New Forest, home of the Wessex Institute (2012) and, again in Rome in 2014. The papers presented at this conference aim to update the use of advanced systems, promoting their general awareness throughout the management, design, manufacture and operation of railways and other emerging passenger, freight and transit systems. With the conference attracting a variety of specialists, including railway engineers, designers of advanced train control systems and computer specialists, the book particularly emphasises the use of computer systems in advanced railway engineering. Topics include but are not restricted to: Advanced train control Operations quality; Risk management; Planning and policy; Energy supply and consumption; Communications and signalling; Operational planning; Interface management; Systems integration; Maglev; High speed technology; Interoperability; Passenger flow management; Computer simulations and Driverless and automatic train operation.

Book Description :

This monograph presents a series of research activities with the goal of determining whether pressure measurement films are a suitable tool for a quantitative assessment of the wheel-rail contact area. Firstly, the effect of influential factors such as geometry, applied load and surface roughness on the resulting imprint was thoroughly examined by means of analytically approachable case studies. This allowed a precise determination of the systematic error that alters experimental outcomes. After that, finite element representations of the measurement procedure were explored in order to characterize the measurement deviation based on mechanical principles. By virtue of the excellent reproducibility of the measurement procedure, as well as the meaningful insight obtained from finite element simulations, an empirically calibrated film model that matches experimental outcomes was developed. This was alternately interposed between wheel and rail models to estimate the measurement error originated under typical operation conditions. The results underline the marked dependence of the measurement error on surface roughness but foresee a robust and reliable use of pressure measurement films for validation of wheel-rail contact models as long as both numerical and experimental solutions represent the same reality of interest.

Book Description :

A proper quality of a track and other infrastructure objects represents a basic requirement for train safety and punctuality. Most of the physical systems and their components deteriorate over time. This affects performance and may lead to failures. Albert Einstein said, “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” Only if we understand how the whole system works, taking into account its imperfections and how they influence its quality and performance will we be able to learn the rules of the game and “play better.” The book provides the readers with the necessary functional knowledge of track behaviour and comprehensively covers the function of the various track components, their interaction as elements of the track system, as well as the interaction of the track with railway vehicles. By presenting important tools for a deep understanding of track-behaviour this book aims to be a reference guide for infrastructure managers and to help them to find ways improving track quality for optimum long-term behaviour.

Book Description :

This unique and up-to-date work surveys the use of mechatronics in rail vehicles, notably traction, braking, communications, data sharing, and control. The results include improved safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Mechatronic systems are a key element in modern rail vehicle design and operation. Starting with an overview of mechatronic theory, the book goes on to cover topics including modeling of mechanical and electrical systems for rail vehicles, open and closed loop control systems, sensors, actuators and microprocessors. Modern simulation techniques and examples are included throughout, and numerical experiments and developed models for railway application are presented and explained. Case studies are used, alongside practical examples, to ensure that the reader can apply mechatronic theory to real world conditions. These case studies include modeling of a hybrid locomotive and simplified models of railway vehicle lateral dynamics for suspension control studies. Rail Vehicle Mechatronics provides current and in-depth content for design engineers, operations managers, systems engineers and technical consultants world-wide, working with freight, passenger, and urban transit railway systems.

Book Description :

The International Symposium on Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and Tracks is the leading international gathering of scientists and engineers from academia and industry in the field of ground vehicle dynamics to present and exchange their latest innovations and breakthroughs. Established in Vienna in 1977, the International Association of Vehicle System Dynamics (IAVSD) has since held its biennial symposia throughout Europe and in the USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa and China. The main objectives of IAVSD are to promote the development of the science of vehicle dynamics and to encourage engineering applications of this field of science, to inform scientists and engineers on the current state-of-the-art in the field of vehicle dynamics and to broaden contacts among persons and organisations of the various countries engaged in scientific research and development in the field of vehicle dynamics and related areas. IAVSD 2017, the 25th Symposium of the International Association of Vehicle System Dynamics was hosted by the Centre for Railway Engineering at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia in August 2017. The symposium focused on the following topics related to road and rail vehicles and trains: dynamics and stability; vibration and comfort; suspension; steering; traction and braking; active safety systems; advanced driver assistance systems; autonomous road and rail vehicles; adhesion and friction; wheel-rail contact; tyre-road interaction; aerodynamics and crosswind; pantograph-catenary dynamics; modelling and simulation; driver-vehicle interaction; field and laboratory testing; vehicle control and mechatronics; performance and optimization; instrumentation and condition monitoring; and environmental considerations. Providing a comprehensive review of the latest innovative developments and practical applications in road and rail vehicle dynamics, the 213 papers now published in these proceedings will contribute greatly to a better understanding of related problems and will serve as a reference for researchers and engineers active in this specialised field.

Book Description :

The International Symposium on Dynamics of Vehicles on Roads and Tracks is the leading international gathering of scientists and engineers from academia and industry in the field of ground vehicle dynamics to present and exchange their latest innovations and breakthroughs. Established in Vienna in 1977, the International Association of Vehicle System Dynamics (IAVSD) has since held its biennial symposia throughout Europe and in the USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa and China. The main objectives of IAVSD are to promote the development of the science of vehicle dynamics and to encourage engineering applications of this field of science, to inform scientists and engineers on the current state-of-the-art in the field of vehicle dynamics and to broaden contacts among persons and organisations of the various countries engaged in scientific research and development in the field of vehicle dynamics and related areas. IAVSD 2017, the 25th Symposium of the International Association of Vehicle System Dynamics was hosted by the Centre for Railway Engineering at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia in August 2017. The symposium focused on the following topics related to road and rail vehicles and trains: dynamics and stability; vibration and comfort; suspension; steering; traction and braking; active safety systems; advanced driver assistance systems; autonomous road and rail vehicles; adhesion and friction; wheel-rail contact; tyre-road interaction; aerodynamics and crosswind; pantograph-catenary dynamics; modelling and simulation; driver-vehicle interaction; field and laboratory testing; vehicle control and mechatronics; performance and optimization; instrumentation and condition monitoring; and environmental considerations. Providing a comprehensive review of the latest innovative developments and practical applications in road and rail vehicle dynamics, the 213 papers now published in these proceedings will contribute greatly to a better understanding of related problems and will serve as a reference for researchers and engineers active in this specialised field. Volume 2 contains 135 papers under the subject heading Rail.

Book Description :

Understanding the dynamics of railway vehicles, and indeed of the entire vehicle-track system, is critical to ensuring safe and economical operation of modern railways. As the challenges of higher speed and higher loads with very high levels of safety require ever more innovative engineering solutions, better understanding of the technical issues a

Book Description :

With the increasing demands for safer freight trains operating with higher speed and higher loads, it is necessary to implement methods for controlling longer, heavier trains. This requires a full understanding of the factors that affect their dynamic performance. Simulation techniques allow proposed innovations to be optimised before introducing them into the operational railway environment. Coverage is given to the various types of locomotives used with heavy haul freight trains, along with the various possible configurations of those trains. This book serves as an introductory text for college students, and as a reference for engineers practicing in heavy haul rail network design,

Book Description :

Handbook of Railway Vehicle Dynamics, Second Edition, provides expanded, fully updated coverage of railway vehicle dynamics. With chapters by international experts, this work surveys the main areas of rolling stock and locomotive dynamics. Through mathematical analysis and numerous practical examples, it builds a deep understanding of the wheel-rail interface, suspension and suspension component design, simulation and testing of electrical and mechanical systems, and interaction with the surrounding infrastructure, and noise and vibration. Topics added in the Second Edition include magnetic levitation, rail vehicle aerodynamics, and advances in traction and braking for full trains and individual vehicles.

Book Description :

Economic growth, security and sustainability across Europe are at risk due to ageing railway infrastructure systems. At present, the majority of such systems are aging and some have even reached their initial design lives. These issues align with a major challenge in civil engineering: how to restore and improve urban infrastructure and built environments. Policy, environmental and physical barriers must be addressed and overcome. The complex and interconnected nature of the problem means that there is a need for academia, industry, communities and governments to work collaboratively. The challenges posed by extreme events from natural and man-made disasters are urgent. Rail Infrastructure Resilience: A Best-Practices Handbook presents developed improvement methods for rail infrastructure systems, toward resilience to extreme conditions. It shows how best to use new information in the engineering design, maintenance, construction and renewal of rail infrastructure resilience, through knowledge exchange and capability development. The book presents the outcome of a major European research project, known as the RISEN project. RISEN aimed to enhance knowledge creation and transfer using both international and intersectoral secondment mechanisms among European Advanced Rail Research Universities and SMEs, and Non-EU, leading rail universities, providing methodological approaches and practical tools for restoring and improving railway infrastructure systems for extreme events. Edited and written by members of this project, this book will be essential reading for researchers and practitioners hoping to find practical solutions to the challenges of rail infrastructure resilience. Offers a best-practices handbook for rail infrastructure resilience from the leaders in the field Paints a holistic picture of the rail transport system, showing that infrastructure maintenance intervention can be enhanced through advanced monitoring systems and resilience design Presents rail infrastructure resilience and advanced condition monitoring, allowing a better understanding of the critical maintenance, renewal and retrofit needs of railways Considers how academia, industry, communities and governments can work collaboratively in order to tackle aggregated problems in rail infrastructure resilience Presents the findings from the RISEN project, the leading European project on enhancing knowledge creation and transfer of expertise on rail infrastructure resilience

Book Description :

This volume contains the papers presented at IALCCE2018, the Sixth International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE2018), held in Ghent, Belgium, October 28-31, 2018. It consists of a book of extended abstracts and a USB device with full papers including the Fazlur R. Khan lecture, 8 keynote lectures, and 390 technical papers from all over the world. Contributions relate to design, inspection, assessment, maintenance or optimization in the framework of life-cycle analysis of civil engineering structures and infrastructure systems. Life-cycle aspects that are developed and discussed range from structural safety and durability to sustainability, serviceability, robustness and resilience. Applications relate to buildings, bridges and viaducts, highways and runways, tunnels and underground structures, off-shore and marine structures, dams and hydraulic structures, prefabricated design, infrastructure systems, etc. During the IALCCE2018 conference a particular focus is put on the cross-fertilization between different sub-areas of expertise and the development of an overall vision for life-cycle analysis in civil engineering. The aim of the editors is to provide a valuable source of cutting edge information for anyone interested in life-cycle analysis and assessment in civil engineering, including researchers, practising engineers, consultants, contractors, decision makers and representatives from local authorities.

Book Description :

Smart sensors are technologies designed to facilitate the monitoring operations. For instance, power consumption can be minimized through on-board processing and smart interrogation algorithms, and state detection enhanced through collaboration between sensor nodes. Applied to structural health monitoring, smart sensors are key enablers of sparse and dense sensor networks capable of monitoring full-scale structures and components. They are also critical in empowering operators with decision making capabilities. The objective of this Special Issue is to generate discussions on the latest advances in research on smart sensing technologies for structural health monitoring applications, with a focus on decision-enabling systems. This Special Issue covers a wide range of related topics such as innovative sensors and sensing technologies for crack, displacement, and sudden event monitoring, sensor optimization, and novel sensor data processing algorithms for damage and defect detection, operational modal analysis, and system identification of a wide variety of structures (bridges, transmission line towers, high-speed trains, masonry light houses, etc.).

Book Description :

When it was first published some two decades ago, the original Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology stood on technology's cutting-edge as the first comprehensive reference to assist the emerging science of tribology lubrication. Later, followed by Volume II, Theory and Design and Volume III, Monitoring, Materials, Synthetic Lubricants, and Ap

Book Description :

TCRP report 155 provides guidelines and descriptions for the design of various common types of light rail transit (LRT) track. The track structure types include ballasted track, direct fixation ("ballastless") track, and embedded track. The report considers the characteristics and interfaces of vehicle wheels and rail, tracks and wheel gauges, rail sections, alignments, speeds, and track moduli. The report includes chapters on vehicles, alignment, track structures, track components, special track work, aerial structures/bridges, corrosion control, noise and vibration, signals, traction power, and the integration of LRT track into urban streets.

Book Description :

Fatigue is a major issue affecting safety and quality of service in the railway industry. This book reviews key aspects of this important subject. It begins by providing an overview of the subject, discussing fatigue at the wheel-rail interface and in other aspects of infrastructure. It then considers fatigue in railway and tramway track, looking at causes of potential failure in such areas as rails and fixings as well as sleepers. It also reviews failure points in structures such as embankments and cuttings. The book analyses fatigue in railway bridges, looking in particular at masonry arch bridges as well as metal and concrete bridges. Two final chapters review safety and reliability issues affecting escalators and lifts. Fatigue in railway infrastructure is a helpful reference for those in the railway industry responsible for infrastructure maintenance as well as those researching this important subject. Provides a concise review of fatigue in the railway infrastructure Examines the causes of potential failure in rails, fixings and sleepers Analyses fatigue in railway bridges including masonry arch, metal and concrete structures

Book Description :

The rapid expansion of transportation industries worldwide, including railways, and the never-ending desire to reduce travel time have highlighted the need to resort to advanced transit systems. Conventional railway systems have been modified to make them travel at much higher speeds. High-Speed Rail includes the main topics and basic principles of high-speed railways (HSRs). The book reflects new engineering and track developments, the most current design methods, as well as the latest industry standards and policies. It provides a comprehensive overview of the significant characteristics for HSRs; highlights recent advancements, requirements, and improvements; and details the latest techniques in the global market. High-Speed Rail contains a collection of the latest research developments on HSRs. This book comprehensively covers basic theory and practice in sufficient depth to provide a solid grounding for railway engineers. It also helps readers maximize effectiveness in all facets of HSRs. This professional book as a credible source and a valuable reference can be very applicable and useful for professors, researchers, engineers, practicing professionals, trainee practitioners, students, and others interested in HSRs.

Book Description :

This book reports on the 12th International Workshop on Railway Noise held on 12-16 September 2016 at Terrigal, Australia. It gathers peer-reviewed papers describing the latest developments in rail noise and vibration, as well as state-of-the-art reviews by distinguished experts in the field. The papers cover a broad range of rail noise topics including wheel squeal, policy, regulation and perception, wheel and rail noise, predictions, measurements and monitoring, interior noise, rail roughness, corrugation and grinding, high speed rail and aerodynamic noise, and structure-borne noise, ground-borne vibration and resilient track forms. It offers an essential reference-guide to both scientists and engineers in their daily efforts to identify, understand and solve a number of problems related to railway noise and vibration, and to achieve their ultimate goal of reducing the environmental impact of railway systems.

Book Description :

Containing selected papers from the ICRESH-ARMS 2015 conference in Lulea, Sweden, collected by editors with years of experiences in Reliability and maintenance modeling, risk assessment, and asset management, this work maximizes reader insights into the current trends in Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS) and Risk Management. Featuring a comprehensive analysis of the significance of the role of RAMS and Risk Management in the decision making process during the various phases of design, operation, maintenance, asset management and productivity in Industrial domains, these proceedings discuss key issues and challenges in the operation, maintenance and risk management of complex engineering systems and will serve as a valuable resource for those in the field.

Book Description :

This book highlights the applications of data mining technologies in structural dynamic analysis, including structural design, optimization, parameter identification, model updating, damage identification, in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. These engineering applications require precise structural design, fabrication, inspection, and further monitoring to obtain a full life-cycle analysis, and by focusing on data processing, data mining technologies offer another aspect in structural dynamic analysis. Discussing techniques in time/frequency domain, such as Hilbert transforms, wavelet theory, and machine learning for structural dynamic analysis to help in structural monitoring and diagnosis, the book is an essential reference resource for beginners, graduates and industrial professionals in various fields.