Rail Car Research Articles

Assessment of deicing salt storage and distribution as a salinization point source: the influence of permitting standards on water quality

BackgroundRoad deicing salts are impacting freshwater ecosystems in snowy regions worldwide. Rock salt (typically sodium chloride) is transported to and stored in regional facilities that operate year-round and are continuous potential sources of chloride discharge to adjacent water bodies, resulting in different impacts to aquatic ecosystems than chloride pollution from spatially diffuse road networks. The regulatory tools and associated monitoring regimes used by state and federal agencies related to permitting of these facilities is inconsistent. Selection of the regulatory standards and monitoring location in the receiving water body (and how the definition of ‘receiving water body’ is applied) can have a significant influence on the measured or modeled impact of a facility on aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, selection of the monitored media (surface water, soil pore water, shallow ground water, or vegetation) can further influence findings, resulting in inconsistent conclusions of environmental impact and potentially allow exceedances of regulatory thresholds of chloride. This study evaluates chloride pollution from salt loading over two years from a state-permitted salt storage and transport facility in Shelburne, Vermont, USA to an adjacent wetland and river that drains to Lake Champlain. Water quality results and modeled assumptions made by the permittee were compared to monitoring data at two discharge points from the site including a drainage channel downstream of the site’s stormwater pond and at a shallow ground water seep below the rail car unloading area.ResultsResults indicate elevated chloride concentrations (average of 243 and 643 mg L−1) at the discharge points to the receiving water body, in conflict with findings from annual permittee assessments. Soil cores taken in the wetland in the vicinity of the control and two discharge points also indicate elevated Cl− (p ≤ 0.035) and Na+ (p ≤ 0.0006). Samples of Tsuga canadensis at the discharge points and at the control site indicate elevated chloride in plant tissues.ConclusionsDetermination of exceedances of chronic and acute standards vary based on the sampling location and medium, indicating a need for consistency and outcome-based monitoring point selection criteria and a move away from reliance on self-reporting by permittees.

Deformation Detection Method of Mine Tunnel Based on Mobile Detection System.

Subway structure safety detection is an important method to ensure the safe operation of trains. Efficient, high-precision, and automatic tunnel clearance detection is the key to ensure safe operations. This study introduces a mobile tunnel scanning system that integrates a scanner, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a rail car. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time and system hardware calibration are used to synchronize time and space information of the system; the attitude and speed are corrected using the control points from the tunnel to improve the accuracy of absolute positioning. The section coordinate system is converted using the control points and system calibration parameters to complete the tunnel clearance inspection, and the distance between the nearest point of the section and the clear height of the vault is given. Taking Fengxi Road’s Bashan tunnel section of Chongqing Metro Line 5 as an example, the overall system accuracy was tested. The accuracy of chord line measurements was within 1 mm, the internal coincidence accuracy of repeated measurements of the vault clear height was 1.1 mm, the internal coincidence accuracy of repeated measurements of the closest gauge point was 4.8 mm, and the system calibration accuracy was approximately 2 mm. Compared with the existing scheme, the system combines absolute measurement and relative measurement mode to judge the structural safety of tunnel section from multiple angles, high precision, and high efficiency.

Identification of Bending Modes of Vibration in Rails by a Laser Doppler Vibrometer on a Moving Platform

This paper introduces a method to identify the bending modes of vibration of railway tracks by using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) mounted on a moving platform. Two sets of experiments were conducted at Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) in Pueblo Colorado, in order to validate the proposed method. First, the bending vibration modes were identified using the signals collected from a rail span (rail section between two consecutive sleepers) by accelerometers under moving car excitation. Then, vibration measurements from rail spans were obtained by using an LDV mounted on the moving railcar. All tests were carried out at four different rail car speeds: 8 km/h (5 mph), 16 km/h (10 mph), 35 km/h (22 mph), and 45 km/h (28 mph). To find LDV signal segments corresponding to rail spans, a novel approach based on the sleeper passing frequency is introduced. Comparison of the results from both sets of tests demonstrated good agreement for all speeds.

Propagation of a Fatigue Crack on the Surface of Side Frame of a Freight Bogie under Irregular Operating Loads

We study the kinetics of propagation of fatigue cracks on the surface of side frame of a rail car with regard for the stochastic nature of the operating load. Its dependence on the initial geometry of the crack is established. Moreover, under given loading conditions, we determine the shape of semielliptic contour of the fatigue crack characterized by the highest growth rate into the depth of the frame wall. We also formulate a mathematical model suitable for the evaluation of the residual service life of the side frame containing a surface cracklike defect with given initial area.

HIGH-PRECISION OBJECT DELINEATION WITH UAV – DEMONSTRATED ON A TRACK SYSTEM

Abstract. The proper function of rail-based transport networks relies on the accurate positioning of the tracks. Regular control and maintenance intervals are in place to guarantee safe and reliable operation. This also holds for the crane rails of the storage cranes in the container terminal in the Hamburg harbour. Especially in the terminal “Altenwerder” the geomorphological conditions of the soil lead to a permanent subsidence of the tracks and thus ask for intensive surveying and maintenance activities. The allowed tolerances are in the range of 10mm in the XY-plane on a stretch of 300m. In the daily practice, the measurements are done using traditional tachymetric survey, in combination with a rail car carrying a reflector. This method is reliable but comes with the disadvantage that the operation of cranes needs to be interrupted. In this paper we present an alternative, automatic approach which employs state-of-the-art UAV-based photogrammetry to measure the actual location of the rail. The mid-format camera system combined with a 150mm tele-lens results in a GSD of 0.9mm at 35m flying height. Challenges addressed concern the proper setup and installation of the ground control network, the flight planning and bundle adjustment. Furthermore, an automated rail delineation in the derived surface model was developed. First experiments show that an automatic workflow is possible, including the delineation task. Remaining obstacles concern, for instance, the compliance with the requirements regarding absolute positional accuracy, since the inner block geometry is theoretically much more accurate than the realised control point network.

Computational procedure for preparing the technical conditions for stowage and securing cargo in rail cars and containers

The transition of the railway industry from information management systems to systems with full management can be achieved by combining automated information systems integrated into production processes in the railway network. Russian Railways OAO acts as a driver for the development of modern technologies in the transport sector, aiming to increase efficiency in organizing the transportation process. Monitoring changes in customer needs, as well as focusing on increasing the value of services and products for consumers, including service quality improvement by digitalizing individual operations related to the cargo handling during loading, is becoming increasingly important. The introduction of the developed automated system for the preparation of technical specifications for the stowage and securing of cargo in rail cars and containers will increase production system organization quality in railway transport, as it will eliminate the incompetence, negligence and irresponsibility of workers associated with the handling, stowage and securing, reduce the time for preparing technical documentation, and improve the transport system operation quality. To achieve the stated goal, based on the studies, the author developed a computational decision-making procedure for the stowage and securing of cargo in the rail car, taking into account a possible two-coordinate shift. The procedure allows employees responsible for accepting cargo for transportation to assess the quality of the cargo securing according to the criterion of permissible shift at the initial stage of the transportation process. The developed automated system has many positive aspects. The security of the system significantly increases, the risk of errors is reduced, and the influence of the human factor is minimized. The complexity of the process of compiling a sketch of the stowage and securing of the cargo in the rail car loaded in accordance with the Technical Specifications is reduced. Most of the work is done by automated software, the cargo shipper has more time to control the loading process; time limits of various works and projects generally decrease.

Acoustic performance enhancement in a railway passenger carriage using hybrid ray-tracing and image-source method

Geometry of cabins, corridors, and materials used in railway passenger carriages can play important roles in acoustic performance inside the rail cars. In order to evaluate the noise level inside a rail car, a hybrid method based on the ray-tracing and image-source techniques is employed. A parametric model is constructed based on the field experiment performed in a typical coach cabin namely Fadak train in Iranian Railway. An Omni-directional sound source inside the passenger carriage is employed inside the cabin once for an unequipped cabin and once for operational one. Acoustic parameters such as reverberation time (T30), Center time (Ts), and the sound pressure level have been calculated and results are validated with experimental acoustic measurements. The model is experimentally calibrated and then acoustics performance of the passenger coach is enhanced by modifying the materials and absorption coefficients against two dominant sound sources in low to middle speed ranges. It is found the simple recommendation can remarkably enhance the acoustic performance over a broad range of frequencies.

Resource-saving sanitary engineering equipment for passenger rail cars and railway locomotives

Resource-saving sanitary engineering equipment for passenger rail cars and railway locomotives

Forming of rail car axles in a CNC skew rolling mill

This study relates to an innovative method for forming rail car axles by skew rolling in a CNC 3-roll mill. The rolling mill was constructed at the Lublin University of Technology. The use of this machine makes it possible to produce elongated axisymmetric parts that are up to 55 mm in diameter and up to 1000 mm in length. Experimental rolling tests are performed (in 1:5 scale) using this machine. Two types of axles are analysed: one manufactured in accordance with North American standards (AAR Class E) and one manufactured in compliance with European standards (BA302). Diameters of produced axles have a dimensional accuracy of ± 0.4 mm. Produced axles are free from internal cracks, and their surface defects (shallow helical grooves) can easily be removed by machining. The major shortcoming of the proposed method is the presence of chucking allowance. To eliminate this allowance, it is proposed that the forming process should be performed in two operations: rolling extrusion and skew rolling. Results of a numerical analysis were performed using the Simufact.Forming program confirms that rail car axles can be formed by the proposed method.

Data-Driven Study on the Sustainable Log Movements: Impact of Rail Car Fleet Size on Freight Storage and Car Idling

Rail car availability and the challenges associated with the seasonal dynamics of log movements have received growing attentions in the Lake Superior region of the US, as a portion of rail car fleet is close to reaching the end of its service life. This paper proposes a data-driven study on the rail car peaking issue to explore the fleet of rail cars dedicated to being used for log movements in the region, and to evaluate how the number of cars affects both the storage need at the sidings and the time the cars are idled. This study is based on the actual log scale data collected from a group of forest companies in cooperation with the Lake State Shippers Association (LSSA). The results of our analysis revealed that moving the current log volumes in the region would require approximately 400–600 dedicated and shared log cars in ideal conditions, depending on the specific month. While the higher fleet size could move the logs as they arrive to the siding, the lower end would nearly eliminate the idling of rail cars and enable stable volumes throughout the year. However, this would require short-term storage and additional handling of logs at the siding, both elements that increase the costs for shippers. Another interesting observation was the fact that the reduction of a single day in the loading/unloading process (2.5 to 1.5 days) would eliminate almost 100 cars (20%) of the fleet without reduction in throughput.

Research on stress state level evaluation method of complex steel welded structures

PurposeIn order to use the BS EN 15058-3 principle more scientifically to design the welding structure of rail vehicles, a method of stress state assessment of welding joints meeting the requirements of BS EN 15058-3 is proposed by using IIW-2008 and ASME-BPVC-VIII-2:2015 standard.Design/methodology/approachThe stress state evaluation process of two standards is studied, and the stress state evaluation method of two standards is programmed by computer language. Among them, ASME standard can evaluate the stress state of welding structures without defects and with defects. In order to verify the feasibility of the method, under the fatigue load of en13749 standard, the method is applied to the welding structure design of the rail car frame.FindingsThe results show that the evaluation based on IIW-2008 standard is stricter, and the stress factor of the weld between the crossbeam and the traction pull rod seat is the largest, the value is 0.881, and the stress state grade is medium. With the increase of the number of defects, the stress level of the welded joint increases and the fatigue life decreases.Originality/valueThis study can provide a reference for the welding design of rail vehicles and other complex structures and has a certain engineering guiding significance.

Toilet in the train

The aim of this article is analyze of usage solution of the toilets in the trains and show of the law regulation how many of the toilets should be in of the train. The article discusses the problem of the number of toilets in trains and the level of maintenance. It is noted that this should not depend on the will of the local government contracting authority, as it has been so far, but should result from the provisions. The problem of the technical standard of the toilet, which would allow for greater convenience for passengers, was also raised. Keywords: Toilet, Rail car, Maintenance

Interdependence of flows when merge in rail tunnel evacuations

The understanding of merging flows during evacuation can have important implications for rail tunnels safety. This paper explores the interdependence of the merging of flows coming from the walkway with those exiting the train. Eight train exit configurations were tested using a mock-up of a rail car exit and a lateral walkway involving 77 participants (mean age 48; standard deviation 15; range 18-74). New measurements and data processing methods are proposed allowing statistical analysis to be performed. The results provide quantitative evidence of the preferences between flows. We found that the bias in the evacuation was slightly in favour of the walkway when train exit was at 0 m in height. Contrary to expectations a moderate dominance of walkway flow was observed at 0.8 m in height. Less variation was found for the train exit at 1.2 m in height with a clear priority of walkway flow. This happened despite deference behaviours performed by participants, i.e. people stopped to help those entering from the rail car. This novel contribution aims to provide a new method for those involved in development and validation of new and current evacuation modelling tools and those who want to improve their understanding of merging behaviour during evacuation in rail tunnels.

Potential effects and impacts of a coal spill on sensitive aquatic habitat: a weight-of-evidence sediment quality assessment

Abstract On 11 January 2014, a Canadian Pacific Railway train derailed on the Canadian National Railway Company's Yale Subdivision, Mile 122.7, in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. This derailment resulted in the partial release of metallurgical coal from three rail cars into, and adjacent to, Silver Creek. Following the derailment and subsequent spill, a comprehensive coal recovery program was implemented. As part of the program, coal deposits were removed from the Silver Creek mainstem in the right-of-way during the stabilization work. A total of approximately 143 tonnes of mixed coal, organic and mineral fines were removed during this program. Subsequently, using a weight-of-evidence sediment quality triad approach, a two-year Aquatic Impact Assessment was conducted to evaluate whether the remaining residual coal in Silver Creek and Burnaby Lake presented the potential for impact to the aquatic environment. Lines-of-evidence (LOEs) were evaluated, including sediment chemistry, sediment toxicity, bioaccumulation potential and coal content. The majority of the data from exposed sampling locations indicated that there was low potential for impact, based on the assessed LOEs. Hence, given the overall low potential for residual impacts from the coal deposits in the Silver Creek–Burnaby Lake ecosystem, no further clean up or monitoring was recommended.

Physiological factors of labor of conductors of railway transport

The article deals with the adverse psychophysiological factors that affect the performance and health of the conductors of passenger rail cars, as well as the results of research.

ANALISIS PEMELIHARAAN PREVENTIF AC PACKAGE PADA GERBONG KERETA PENUMPANG K1 DI DEPO 2 GERBONG KERETA BANDUNG

This study aims to analyze the maintenance of AC Package preventive on the K1 passenger train car at Depo 2 of Bandung Rail Car. This research is a qualitative descriptive, using snowball sampling technique. Data collection techniques in this study were interviews, observation, and documentation. In this study using a validity test that is a triangulation of sources, triangulation of techniques and triangulation of time. The results showed that in maintaining the economic life of the AC Package is still not good and still found damage to the AC Package. In the supply of technicians, equipment and supplies are still not available as specified. There are still 44 technicians needed and the equipment is still in poor condition. in this case, the AC Package preventive maintenance activities on K1 passenger train cars still have a lot to be repaired at Depo 2 Bandung

FR/CoG multi-attribute-based comparison methods for selection of the location of a research institute

Purpose The determination of the appropriate site for the location of a research institute represents a multi-criteria problem which requires a scientific approach for decision-making. The research centre in this study is an institute that intends to carry out the state-of-the-art research activities and provide the requisite skills to expedite and optimize the manufacturing of rail cars in South Africa. Hence, the selection of a suitable and conducive location capable of achieving these aforementioned objectives in an effective manner is a problem which requires scientific justification for the allocation of the weights and biases. In light of this, using various decision techniques, this paper aims to establish a suitable framework for the location selection of the research institute which is capable of meeting the short- and long-term objectives of the institute. Design/methodology/approach This aim was achieved by ascertaining the suitability of potential location alternatives using the factor rating (FR) and centre of gravity (CoG) technique. Findings The CoG revealed that any location within the longitude of 28.28 and latitude of −25.75 (with a Cartesian coordinate position of 5053.62; 2718.69) is suitable for the research institute, while the result of the FR/weighted score matrix revealed that location J3 with a weighted score of 72.6% is the most suitable location for the research institute with the longitude of 5053.62 and latitude of 2718.69. Practical implications The results of this paper helped decision-makers in locating the given research institute which is currently operational. Originality/value The present study is focussed on the application of location decision techniques in the research institute scenario. The combination of FR and CoG techniques for the selection of the most suitable location for a research institute amidst conflicting criteria has not been widely reported by the existing literature.

Development of a 3D Interactive Training Platform for Assembly of Bogie Unit in the Railcar Learning Factory

In South Africa rail commuting remains affordable than other means of transport. However, about 2.3 million rail commuters often complain about the inefficiency and unreliability of rail transport. In response to this, the rail car manufacturing industry and its value chain is attaining notable investments geared towards localizing production of train components. The challenge for learning institutions is to supply the concerned industry with ready to work graduates, hence the realisation of the Rail Car Learning Factory. This paper presents the development of a 3D interactive training platform for graduate engineers employed in rail manufacturing without prior industry experience. The first section is a literature review defining various simulation-based training platforms; the second section illustrates human-centred design approach for designing and developing the proposed desktop-based application due to its affordability, scalability and ease of development; the last section highlights the most significant phase in developing a training environment and prescribes future work.

Conceptual design of intelligent reconfigurable welding fixture for rail car manufacturing industry

Dedicated welding fixtures are used in the railcar manufacturing industry to fix and stabilise the welded components during the welding assembly process in order to achieve the highest possible accuracy and repeatability of connected components. Utilisation of dedicated welding fixtures in a railcar manufacturing industry leads to high production setup, high manufacturing costs, low quality standards and storage difficulties. Furthermore, because of lack of ability to disassemble, traditional welding fixtures cost a fortune in storage costs. In order to reduce cost, increase productivity and meet the market demands, there is a growing requirement for the tools to be flexible, reconfigurable and re-constructible. This paper presents the conceptual designs of the intelligent reconfigurable welding fixtures aimed to address the current problems encountered by the railcar manufacturing industry when utilizing dedicated fixtures. Three design concepts of the Intelligent Reconfigurable Welding Fixture (IRWF) were generated using Computer Aided Design (CAD) called Unigraphics. Weight design matrix concept evaluation criteria was used to select the most suitable concept based on functional requirements such as reconfigurability, intelligence, assembly, manufacturability and maintenance ability. Concept 3 was selected because it satisfied most of the functional requirements of the IRWF.

Определение кинематических параметров движения вагона на участках тормозных позиций сортировочной горки

The existing methods for calculating the marshalling yards are mainly aimed at determining the height of the sorting slide and the kinematic parameters of the movement of the car in the braking zone are not considered. The article presents the calculation formulas and the methodology for determining the braking path of the car in the areas of the brake positions of the marshalling yard. The developed technique is based on a theorem of theoretical mechanics on the change in kinetic energy for a free material point in a final form. It is shown that the path the car passes while going through the breaking positions can be determined by the formula of the path with a known value of acceleration when braking the car. Using the developed formulas, the braking distance was calculated depending on the braking time and the speed of the release. The relative calculation error for the same value of the initial speed did not exceed 3.7%, which confirms the correctness of the developed calculation formulas. The proposed method allows us to determine the time it takes the uniformly accelerated movement of the car in a given section of the sorting slide to take place at a known value of the distance travelled by the rail car in the area of the brake position. The results of the research can be used to correctly solve the problems of calculating and designing of marshalling yards.