Railway switch and crossing (S&C) systems have a very complex structure that requires not only large number of components (such as rails, check switches, crossings, turnout bearers, slide chair, etc.) but also different types technologies (mechanical devices to operate electrical and/or electronic for control, etc.). This complexity railway S&C makes them vulnerable failures malfunctions can ultimately cause delays even fatal accidents. Thus, it is crucial develop suitable condition...

This paper compares different track model formulations for the simulation of dynamic vehicle–track interaction in switches and crossings (S&C, turnouts) a multi-body (MBS) environment. The investigations are an extension S&C Benchmark with addition finite element 60E1-760-1:15 turnout. constitutes common reference from which four derived: co-running, modal superposition, incorporated into MBS coupled to using co-simulation approach. For models, difference modelling technique, results, time,...

This paper proposes a three-layered co-running track model for predicting and analysing the dynamic behaviour of railway turnouts during passage trains. It is multi-body with space-dependent parameters. The method demonstrated by applying UIC60-760-1:15 turnout (with curve radius 760 m angle 1:15). Equivalent properties are introduced, based on flexibility, rail receptance impact force results compared from finite element (FE) model. validation show good agreement those FE model, but far...

Sensors are inevitable components in a machine or mechatronic system, to measure physical quantities. Due the inherent property of piezoelectric material, it can be used as an actuator bring displacement system by applying voltage sensor where force applied on is translated voltage. This called self-sensing, one way reduce number sensors needed active system. In present application, actuators mounted at bearings rotor. The bearing determined from deflection piezos. reconstructed current and...

It is incredibly difficult to know precisely the position of a train relative piece rail infrastructure (such as switch/crossing (S&C)), which creates challenge for engineers wanting monitor critical points, such crossing noses that are prone wear-related failure. In this paper, two condition monitoring techniques track assets discussed, and an RFID subsystem, along with data communication database, accurate positioning trains described. The goal synchronise railway asset (crossing nose),...

This paper proposes a model-based fault detection (FD) method with application to railway switch & crossing (S&C) systems. These systems are safety critical assets in the rail network and they daily exposed harsh working conditions severe environment, which make them more vulnerable failures breakdowns. Therefore, it is implement condition monitoring (CM) technique enhance reliability availability of these S&C To-the-end reducing scheduled maintenance process decreasing possible number...

Abstract Background Despite their important role in railway operations, switches and crossings (S&C) have changed little since conception over a century ago. It stands now that the existing designs for S&C are reaching maximum point of incremental performance improvement, only radical redesign can overcome constraints current imposing on network capacity. This paper describes process producing novel next generation crossings, as part S-CODE project. Methods Given many aspects govern...

Fault diagnosis in rotating machines have been attempted by researchers with many different techniques. The common fault occurring a rotor system is the unbalance. Different techniques exist to determine their magnitude and location circumferential axial direction. In this paper, an attempt made identify locate unbalance faults on using Unknown Input Observer (UIO). Its matrices are constructed two methods, first classical method solving algebraic Riccatti equations other set of Linear...

High dynamic forces at railway switches and crossings (S&C) are the primary cause of frequent defect formation.Regular acquisition onsite sensory data aids condition evaluation or maintenance planning, which subsequently mitigates problems unexpected malfunction S&C components.Accelerometer collected by in-situ sensors in UK Czech Republic were used this research for defining important metrics validating prediction models.A number can be calculated from signals to provide information about...

REPOINT is an innovative track switch system with a semicircular path motion mechanism, which allows passive locking and redundancy of actuation.Central to this study the development testing prototype system, utilizes single active bearer configuration tested at 1:1 scale in laboratory.The embodies enclosed equipped dual servo motors, custom gearboxes cams, sensors, as well cascaded closed-loop control ensuring robust performance high adaptability various types.Testing results confirm...

The Repoint joint is an innovative switch actuation concept where the rail design inspired from expansion joint.Because it intended to operate as a track switch, rails are redesigned accommodate easy movement and passive locking feature.This article examines multi-body dynamic simulation model of this together with its foundation.The interlock feature implemented in two variants, which differ only theoretical detail.The Manchester benchmark vehicle run through it.The forces displacement...

A new track swtich and crossing (S&C), the back to bistable (B2B) switch, is proposed that has shown potential significantly reduce wheel/rail contact forces through switch due its more continuous interface uniform stiffness arising from elimination of nose. This offers a major reduction on maintenance cost future S&Cs. The paper explains concept identifies design guidelines for current layout uses vehicle/turnout dynamic modelling predict wheel rail identify performance improvements...

Piezoelectric actuators provide an active solution for vibration control in aircraft engines compared to the state-of-the-art squeeze film dampers. The property of piezoelectric materials enable them be used as sensors and simultaneously. This self-sensing actuator is analyzed this paper its ability detect unbalance faults, which are common rotor systems. In two different configurations studied diagnose faults engine. Three parameters unbalances such magnitude, position circumferential axial...

A combined MBS-FE simulation approach to simulating the interaction between trains and switches has been implemented.The vehicle substructure dynamics have replicated two models.For important components that would affect vibration of track structure, i.e. railpads ballast, agreement for vertical lateral receptance MBS FE models ensured.The equivalent Young's modulus calculated railpad layer its Rayleigh damping coefficient obtained through sensitivity analysis.The stiffness ballast split...

Railway operators and infrastructure companies strive to optimise the flow of passengers on off vehicles whilst aiming minimise accidents at platform–train interface (PTI). An ideal solution (already available in some situations) would be step‐free access aid efficient boarding for everyday those with additional needs or reduced mobility. Out many solutions existing today, a ‘kneeling vehicle’ seems possible due opportunity step gap distances. In this study, viability an assumed kneeling...