Life extension approach focusing on industrial and railway applications

Abstract

Using its expertise in fatigue analysis, VibraTec has developed an approach to evaluate remaining life aiming to ensure asset durability and optimize operation to extend service life. Remaining life provides visibility of the structure’s future life to anticipate difficulties and guarantee long-term quality of service. Analysis of this parameter is an important part of asset management for structures designed to last for decades, like railway transportation.The approach presented for evaluating remaining life is based on a coupled digital and experimental fatigue analysis. The sensitive areas of the structure under study are firstly determined by Finite Element Analysis according to nominal fatigue loads. The current status of structural mechanical integrity is studied by concentrating nondestructive examinations on sensitive areas (NDT, magnetoscopy, visual observation, etc). Then, operational measurements are performed to identify the real operational loads, to evaluate and tune the Finite Element Model (FEM). Using the final reliable Finite Element Model, the future life of the structure is simulated. Different operation road maps can be evaluated to ensure structural durability and extend asset service life.To conclude the paper, the method is then applied to quantitatively assess the remaining life car bodies for railway networks. Operation and maintenance road maps serve as guides to reach service life objectives. Structural modification can also be evaluated to optimize life duration. This analysis provides support for investment teams, helping them optimize their asset management strategy.