Methodology for Selecting the Multistage Methods of Train Classification and Design Parameters of Specialized Shunting Facilities Based on Modeling

Abstract

The work is devoted to the development of methodology for choosing the rational variant of design and technology of specialized shunting facilities intended for multigroup car selection, as well as the development of recommendations for choosing the best method of sorting for different conditions. The following multistage methods are considered in the work: exponential sorting, combinatorial sorting, triangular sorting and geometric sorting. Simulation modeling of a specialized shunting facility operation, which takes into account its design features and the structure of the car traffic, is used as the main research method. The criterion for choosing the most rational option is integral discounted costs, which take into account the cost of grouping track construction, as well as operating costs associated with infrastructure maintenance and shunting operations for sorting multigroup trains. Using the developed model, the characteristics of time costs for performing multistage sorting of railcars were investigated. It has been established that the time for multistage sorting of cars has a gamma distribution, its numerical characteristics have been determined for different number of groups to be selected, average weight and length of car sets. The recommendations for the use of multistage methods depending on the intensity of the trains’ arrival at the specialized classification yard, as well as the number of groups to be picked were also developed and presented in the form of a table. The results of the research have shown that the geometric method of sorting, which is preferred in most works on this subject, is not always the best one. The Exponential sorting scheme proved to be the best when the fill rate of the sorting scheme was high, and the combinatorial sorting method proved to be the best when the intensity of the ingress of compositions was high. Thus, it is confirmed that the choice of sorting method depends on the structure of the processed flow, and the best method will vary depending on the operating conditions.