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Rail CRC rail vehicle simulation software offers unprecedented
flexibility in rail vehicle modelling.
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RAIL CRC, in conjunction with Central Queensland University and
rail industry partners Pacific National and Queensland Rail, are in
the final testing stage of an improved rail vehicle simulation
software package that offers unprecedented flexibility in rail
vehicle modelling.
Pacific National Consultant Rollingstock Engineer and project
manager Bill Edmonds said the software offered industry an
important extension of capability, which other simulation packages
didn’t feature.
“While other wagon simulation packages exist, this software
package offers us a higher level of detail in simulation,” Mr
Edmonds said.
“This development includes invaluable innovations including:
- An extendable framework where new model components can be added,
allowing for additional braking systems, traction systems, and new
improved wheel contact models.
- Expandability where several vehicles can be interconnected, with no
limit on number.
- Longitudinal dynamics where the model components are modeled in all
three dimensions with six degrees of freedom, which allows
longitudinal inertia effects and train-wagon dynamics to be
correctly modeled.”
These improvements will be significant in the analysis of vehicle
designs, simulations for vehicle acceptance (track-worthiness), and
derailment investigation, Mr Edmonds said.
“This all adds up to major improvements in safety,” he
said.
“An important market for this software and consulting service
will be in vehicle simulation for the newly introduced compliance
standards of track-worthiness under the new Australian Code of
Practice.”
The Simulation Modelling project is one of approximately 40 Rail
CRC research projects, which were established and supported under
the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres
Programme.
Rail CRC is based at Central Queensland University’s
Rockhampton campus and consists of rail industry partners –
Pacific National, Queensland Rail, TMG Rail Technology, ARTC, and
Rail Corp - and six university partners – Central Queensland
University, University of South Australia, Monash University, The
University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and
the University of Wollongong.
For more information on this and other Rail CRC projects visit
www.railcrc.com.au.
