This project aims to build on the research undertaken in Project 38
to develop a validated methodology for managing Australia’s
aging rollingstock. With freight traffic expected to double before
2020 and demand on rollingstock increasing significantly, the
durability of rollingstock components is becoming a significant
issue for the Australian rail industry. The research involves the
marriage of recent developments in durability assessment, infrared
thermography, structural analysis and design and Non-Destructive
Investigation (NDI), using the Monash/Rail CRC Infrared Testing
Facility and aims to develop a ‘risk management’
approach to managing aging rollingstock.
The research is being undertaken in close collaboration with Rail
CRC industry participants and aims to determine the remaining life
of a freight wagon following crack initiation and before
catastrophic failure. Evaluated by STEM Partnerships in 2006, the
project was estimated to have the potential to deliver a
risk-free-value to the rail industry of approximately $26.4 million
over the next 15 years. Taking into account the risks of delivering
the research outcomes, the expected value is approximately $15.4
million.
Results to date:
- Completed development of Freight Wagon graphic model
- Ongoing development of initial crack growth model
- Commenced instrumentation of wagon to collect load and spectrum
data
Future outcomes:
- Final report and tools for industry to identify in-field detection
of cracking and large area inspection of locomotive bogies
Project Leader: Professor Rhys Jones (Monash)
Project Manager: Mr Zarko Milicevic (Pacific National)
