Performance of a Track Geometry Car-Based Real-Time Dynamics Simulator Using Multiple Vehicle Types

Abstract

A real-time dynamic simulation system designed to identify sections of track geometry that are likely to cause unsafe rail vehicle response is discussed. Known as TrackSafe, this system operates onboard a track geometry vehicle where the geometry measurements are passed as inputs to the dynamic model of one or more rail vehicle types. In order to comprehensively analyze the effect of the existing geometry on rail vehicle behavior, the system is capable of simultaneously simulating the response of several vehicle models, each over a range of traveling speeds. The resulting response predictions for each modeled vehicle and each simulated traveling speed are used to assess the track geometry condition and to identify locations leading to potentially unsafe response. This paper presents the latest work in the development of TrackSafe, specifically, the development and testing of eight new vehicle models is presented. The new car types modeled include a box car, flat car, and both a long and short tank car. Each can be simulated in a fully loaded or empty condition. Accuracy of the models is discussed in detail.