Project 17: Signatures from Wheel-Rail Interaction for the Development of Strategic Decision Support Systems

Track maintenance planning and train speed setting are routinely based somewhat subjectively on track geometry irregularity inspections. However, the dynamic responses of the wagon and track system due to track geometry irregularities and wheel rail defects are critical in ensuring safety and economy.

This project developed, classified and standardised the signatures of dynamic responses of specific wagon classes on various track types with geometrical characteristics representative of actual field conditions. The comprehension of these signatures is a key issue for railway engineers in optimising track maintenance strategies, and for rollingstock engineers in making wagon maintenance decisions from a holistic integrated railway system perspective.

This project has been completed with the results provided as ‘core knowledge’ on CD as a web-based tree structure and PFD’s for interpretation by railway personnel.

Results:

  • A decision support system (DSS) for track maintenance planning and train speed setting, based on the combined consideration of track geometry and wheel irregularities and the resultant dynamic responses of the wagon and track system.
  • The project has been completed; the results are used for the development of intelligent software system in Project 148.

Project Leader: Associate Professor Manicka Dhanasekar (Central Queensland University)

Project Manager: Mr Bruce Bymer (Queensland Rail)

RIA

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