Railway Transport Research Articles

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) for Urban Railway Transportation

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) for Urban Railway Transportation

SH guided wave excitation in rails for defect and stress monitoring

Monitoring rail defects and thermal stress is imperative in ensuring the safety of railway transportation. Guided-wave-based inspection techniques emerge as a promising solution for concurrently detecting both the defects and thermal stress in rails. However, the substantial multimodal and dispersive nature of guided waves in the rail poses limitations on the application and advancement of this technology. This study systematically investigates the propagation characteristics of the SH0-like wave (the lowest-order shear horizontal-like wave) in the rail and its effectiveness in defect and axial stress monitoring through finite element simulations and experiments. A method based on dual opposite polarization active elements, and the corresponding piezoelectric transducers are proposed to excite SH0-like wave in the rail web and rail foot. Results show that SH0-like wave can travel stably across a broad frequency range in the rail web and rail foot. Additionally, both the simulations and experiments confirm that the SH0-like wave in the rail web is suitable for monitoring axial stress, as its velocity changes linearly with axial stress variations. Furthermore, the ability of the SH0-like wave to detect cracks and hole defects in the rail web is experimentally demonstrated. Given that the SH0-like wave is quasi-nondispersive in a broad frequency range and an SH0-like wave with high SRN can be effectively generated using the proposed method, this research aims to offer a practical technical solution to overcome the challenges of multimodal and dispersive effects in the guided-wave-based rail inspection techniques. It also sets the stage for developing a comprehensive system capable of simultaneously monitoring the defects and thermal stress in rails.

Laser Scan Compression for Rail Inspection

The automation of rail track inspection addresses key issues in railway transportation, notably reducing maintenance costs and improving safety. However, it presents numerous technical challenges, including sensor selection, calibration, data acquisition, defect detection, and storage. This paper introduces a compression method tailored for laser triangulation scanners, which are crucial for scanning the entire rail track, including the rails, rail fasteners, sleepers, and ballast, and capturing rail profiles for geometry measurement. The compression technique capitalizes on the regularity of rail track data and the sensors’ limited measurement range and resolution. By transforming scans, they can be stored using widely available image compression formats, such as PNG. This method achieved a compression ratio of 7.5 for rail scans used in the rail geometry computation and maintained rail gauge reproducibility. For the scans employed in defect detection, a compression ratio of 5.6 was attained without visibly compromising the scan quality. Lossless compression resulted in compression ratios of 5.1 for the rail geometry computation scans and 3.8 for the rail track inspection scans.

RTINet: A Lightweight and High-Performance Railway Turnout Identification Network Based on Semantic Segmentation.

To lighten the workload of train drivers and enhance railway transportation safety, a novel and intelligent method for railway turnout identification is investigated based on semantic segmentation. More specifically, a railway turnout scene perception (RTSP) dataset is constructed and annotated manually in this paper, wherein the innovative concept of side rails is introduced as part of the labeling process. After that, based on the work of Deeplabv3+, combined with a lightweight design and an attention mechanism, a railway turnout identification network (RTINet) is proposed. Firstly, in consideration of the need for rapid response in the deployment of the identification model on high-speed trains, this paper selects the MobileNetV2 network, renowned for its suitability for lightweight deployment, as the backbone of the RTINet model. Secondly, to reduce the computational load of the model while ensuring accuracy, depth-separable convolutions are employed to replace the standard convolutions within the network architecture. Thirdly, the bottleneck attention module (BAM) is integrated into the model to enhance position and feature information perception, bolster the robustness and quality of the segmentation masks generated, and ensure that the outcomes are characterized by precision and reliability. Finally, to address the issue of foreground and background imbalance in turnout recognition, the Dice loss function is incorporated into the network training procedure. Both the quantitative and qualitative experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is feasible for railway turnout identification, and it outperformed the compared baseline models. In particular, the RTINet was able to achieve a remarkable mIoU of 85.94%, coupled with an inference speed of 78 fps on the customized dataset. Furthermore, the effectiveness of each optimized component of the proposed RTINet is verified by an additional ablation study.

A novel Linetype Recognition Algorithm Based on Track Geometry Detection Data

Abstract The detection and recognition of track geometry are crucial for ensuring railway transportation safety and maintenance efficiency. Traditional linetype recognition algorithms struggle to effectively handle the complexities of variable track geometry and noise interference. To address these challenges, a novel linetype recognition algorithm (NLRA) is proposed, which thoroughly analyzes the characteristics of track curvature across straight lines, transition curves, and circular segments. By employing partial differential equations for data preprocessing, NLRA effectively filters out noise. Utilizing curve design parameters and integrating line anti-noise recognition with multi-segment line fitting techniques, the algorithm accurately identifies each line segment and incorporates a single-point recognition method for data gaps. Experimental results demonstrate that NLRA outperforms traditional algorithms in terms of real-time performance, recognition accuracy, anti-interference capability, and noise handling. Notably, NLRA enhances accuracy by at least 35.1% and recall by at least 17.4% on selected typical routes. This work underscores the algorithm's potential to provide efficient and accurate tools for track maintenance, facilitate advancements in track detection software, and significantly contribute to railway transportation safety.

Analysis of the Application and Prospects of Intelligent Technology in Sustainable Railway Operations

With the rapid development of technology, intelligent technology plays an increasingly important role in the sustainable operation of railways. This paper explores the application and prospects of intelligent technology in sustainable railway operations, emphasizing its key roles in enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening safety assurance, optimizing passenger experience, and promoting environmental protection and energy conservation. Through intelligent dispatching, real-time monitoring, big data prediction, personalized services, and mobile ticketing technologies, the railway system achieves efficient resource allocation and service innovation. The intelligent transformation of railways demonstrates significant economic and social benefits, contributing to emission reduction targets and sustainable development. Future efforts should focus on strengthening top-level design, technological innovation, standard construction, and network security to advance the intelligent railway process and co-create a new era of smart, green, and efficient railway transportation.

Physical fitness as a component of students' psychological readiness to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Introduction and purpose of the study. An important task of physical education is a timely response to the needs of society. In the context of the full-scale war unleashed against Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the problem of psychological preparation of conscripts for service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has become especially relevant. The author proceeds from the fact that he considers physical fitness as an important factor in the psychological readiness of students for service in the armed forces. The purpose of the study is to test the hypothesis about the positive impact of physical fitness on the psychological readiness of students to serve in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Material and methods. The study involved 29 students of the Dnipro National University of Railway Transport named after Academician V. Lazaryan. Diagnostics of physical fitness was carried out using the tests proposed in the State Tests and Standards for Assessing the Physical Fitness of the Population of Ukraine. To diagnose psychological characteristics, appropriate methods of psychological diagnosis were used. Results. The relationship between the indicators of physical fitness and a number of personality characteristics that determine the psychological readiness of students for service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been established. Conclusions. Physical fitness of students is a factor that significantly affects such components of psychological readiness for service in the armed forces as selectivity of attention, concentration and stability of attention, personal anxiety, tolerance to uncertainty, volitional qualities of the individual.

The Effect Of Product Quality And Price On Coal Purchase Interest Through Sales Based On Non-Kai Logistics At Pt Bukit Asam, Tbk

This study aims to analyze the effect of product quality and price on coal purchase interest through non-KAI-based logistics sales at PT Bukit Asam, Tbk. The background of this research is driven by the challenges faced by the company in increasing purchase interest through more flexible distribution strategies and reducing reliance on railway transportation. The research method used is quantitative, with data collected through surveys of 150 respondents, consisting of customers and brokers. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression. The results show that product quality and price positively and significantly impact coal purchase interest. High product quality has been proven to enhance customer satisfaction, while competitive pricing is crucial in attracting consumer interest. In conclusion, PT Bukit Asam, Tbk, should continue to improve service quality and offer more competitive prices to expand its market and increase sales through the non-KAI logistics system.

Real-Time Video Processing for Measuring Zigzag Length of Pantograph–Catenary Systems Based on GPS Correlation

Recent years have seen outstanding developments in research and technology, highlighting the importance of railway transportation, especially the implementation of high-speed trains, which is becoming more and more challenging. This facilitates extensive research into the science and technology of the electrical interaction between the components of pantograph–catenary systems (PCSs). Problems regarding the PCS can result in infrastructure incidents, potentially stopping train operations. A common cause of failure in electrified railway PCS is a contact wire’s zigzag length that exceeds the prescribed technical limit, which can be caused by missing droppers or faults in the mounting mechanism. This work proposes a video camera-based monitoring technique for zigzag geometry measurement that additionally employs a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor to detect the current geographical position of the point of zigzag length measurement. There are two proposed techniques for measuring the length of the zigzag based on image processing. In the first technique, using previously recorded data, the images are analyzed in the laboratory, and in the second, the images are analyzed in real time. Based on the results, we suggest a model and prediction of zigzag length employing hybrid deep neural networks.

The Effect of Railway Projects Increasing Safety on the Frequency of Occurrences

This contribution is focused on the presentation of individual research results aimed at evaluating the socio-economic impacts associated with increasing the safety and reliability of the railway transport route. The goal of the research is to propose and subsequently verify an original approach for assessing the impact of the implementation of investment projects, including measures aimed at increasing the safety and reliability of railway transport routes, on the resulting number of occurrences that happen on the railway in the Czech Republic. The proposed procedure is based on several key documents. In addition to already existing national methodologies, these are mainly the database of occurrences managed by the Railway Administration of the Czech Republic, including approximately 1000 occurrences for each year of the evaluated period (2009–2018), and information on 33 projects on the railway transport route, where the effects of their implementation on the overall frequency of occurrences are examined events in the subject location. The output of the research is a methodical approach for assessing the impact of the implementation of projects aimed at increasing the safety and reliability of the railway transport route. We perceive the impact on the occurrences from the point of view of the frequency of their occurrence and from the point of view of the socio-economic impacts that are achieved as a result of the implementation of the projects. From the point of view of the frequency of occurrence, a reduction in its value of 4.63% was found. As part of the research, the impact on the occurrence of extraordinary events is also assessed in the context of the scope of the railway transport route, both with regard to the length of the reconstructed track and also with regard to traffic performance.

Instrumentation and automatic evaluation of event indicators alongside railway lines: a first attempt to comply with article 90 of the French mobility legislation on transport

According to the Article 90 of the French Mobility Orientation Law (LOM) No. 2019-1428 (December 24, 2019), the Testing and Measurement Laboratory (LEM) of the Régie Autonome Des Transports Parisiens (RATP) 1 has been at the forefront in determining and evaluating indicators of annoyance due to event-related noise from railway transport infrastructure. Six measurement points located near tramway, metro, and suburban trains transport infrastructures were equipped with specific instrumentation allowing for measuring and automatically detecting railway and non-railway sound events (road traffic, alert sirens, and other sound activities), this multiplicity of noise sources necessitated a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis, ensuring accurate assessment of the impact of railway transport infrastructure on surrounding area. Measurements were carried out continuously for 15 days. A post-processing system was also developed to analyze over a dozen noise indicators for each category of sound events. This article presents the technical solutions developed and deployed by the laboratory in a few months to address the regulatory challenges posed by the experimental phase of Article 90 of the LOM law.

Annoyance assessment of the combined effect of railway noise and vibration including physiological measurements

The prediction of annoyance due to railway transportation in residential areas is crucial to correctly dimension noise and vibration reduction solutions. In situ annoyance assessment for multiple exposition scenarios requires to convince many residents to take annoyance tests combined with noise and vibration measurements inside their homes. Such approach is not adapted to large-scale experiments. Therefore, the VibAcouPhysio project aims at studying annoyance due to railway noise and vibration in laboratory conditions. A vibrating platform combined with a high-quality sound reproduction system has been designed for this project to reproduce the noise and vibrations of a train pass-by. Annoyance is estimated by multiple means including questionnaires, cognitive tasks performance assessment and various physiological measurements. Twenty participants were exposed to various train pass-by signals as if they were seating at a table inside their housing. The results show a significant correlation between physiological metrics, the annoyance evaluated in the questionnaires and the physical indicators derived from the noise and vibration signals. The main purpose of the VibAcouPhysio project is to rank various physical indicators describing noise and vibration signals according to their correlation to the perceived or measured annoyance.

Improving knowledge of the acoustic factors involved in railway noise annoyance: first results of a pilot field survey of sixty-two local residents

Railway transportation contributes to the objectives of decarbonization but also generates negative externalities, including noise. Energy noise indicators used to characterize population exposure do not adequately reflect the repetitive nature of railway noise peaks. The GENIFER pilot study aims to test a protocol designed to characterize railway noise events according to the instantaneous perceived annoyance when the train is passing, in order to improve understanding of the influence of acoustic factors on annoyance. The first phase of the survey was carried out in 2023 among 62 residents of a pilot site. An electronic device was used to collect around 5,000 ratings, ranging from 1 to 10, assessing the instantaneous annoyance induced by train noise at passing trains. The site instrumentation included sixteen sound level meters and two video recording systems, enabling annoyance ratings to be associated with the acoustic characteristics of railway noise events. A questionnaire aimed at identifying co-determinants of long-term annoyance was also administered to participants. Feedback on the field implementation of this survey and initial results concerning acoustic measurements, instantaneous annoyance ratings and questionnaire responses will be presented.

Зависимость потенциала на рельсах от сопротивления заземляющего устройства тяговой подстанции и параметров рельсовой линии

Purpose: to analyse the dependence of the potential on rails on the track coordinate at different values of conductivity of the grounding device of the traction substation (g0 = 0 S, 10 S, 25 S, 50 S). Methods: the analysis was carried out on the developed substitution diagram of the traction rail network section using the method of nodal potentials. The calculation was implemented in Mathcad 15 mathematical package. Selection of initial data was carried out taking into account the values established in the current normative documentation. Results: an equivalent substitution scheme of the traction rail network on a double-track section has been developed, in which each homogeneous section of the rail line is replaced by an equivalent U-shaped quadrupole. This allows to transform an electric circuit with distributed parameters into a circuit with concentrated parameters. If it is necessary to simulate transverse or longitudinal asymmetry of traction current in a section, such a section is replaced by a three-wire substitution diagram in which the earth conductor is taken into account. To improve the accuracy of the modelling results, the inter-track jumpers are taken into account, and the number of nodal potentials is increased to 7. It is established that the highest modulus value of voltage on rails is observed near the traction substation. It has been determined that the voltage value on rails near the traction substation decreases when the conductivity of the earthing device increases. Practical significance: values of rail-ground potential at different values of conductivity of grounding device of traction substation for tracks of both directions of traffic — even and odd tracks — are determined. The value of conductivity of the traction substation grounding device at which it is safe for the personnel to stay on the rails near the traction substation has been determined. The obtained results can be recommended for practical use in railway transport.

Исследование подходов к обустройству инфраструктуры для временного отстоя вагонов на железных дорогах России в различные исторические периоды

Purpose: to determine the relevance of the problem of temporary storage of cars on Russian railways in various historical periods. Consider methodological approaches aimed at eliminating this problem, as well as technical and technological measures. Assess how well the problem of temporary storage of wagons has been developed to date. Methods: when performing the study, the method of retrospective analysis was used. To conduct a retrospective analysis, scientific publications, regulatory documents, educational publications and other literary sources were used. Results: using the provisions of literary sources, the negative impact of excess or concentration of cars in certain places of the railway network on the normal operation of railway transport as a whole has been confirmed. It has been established that the most typical problem of temporary parking of cars is for stations of the railway network located in areas interacting with water transport. For various historical periods, the applied methodological approaches and measures were identified aimed at organizing the temporary parking of cars in order to increase the efficiency of railway transport. Practical importance: the completed study confirmed the relevance of the problem of organizing temporary storage of cars on Russian railways in various historical periods. It has been established that for the current stage of development of railway transport, the most rational solution is the arrangement of special stations for the temporary storage of cars.

Assessment of the spatial-temporal impact of the Longhai Railway transportation corridor on land cover changes and landscape patterns

IntroductionTransportation corridors, as special economic corridors, have a greater impact on land cover and landscape pattern changes.MethodsTherefore, 10 buffer zones were established at 1 km intervals on both sides of the Longhai Railway as the centerline to trace the impact of the railroad corridor on the land use change and regional landscape pattern change of the cities along the line from 1985 to 2020.ResultThe results show that: (1) The land cover changes along the railroad corridor during the 35 years are mainly characterized by the conversion between cropland, grassland, and construction land. Compared with 1985, in 2020, the construction land increased by 161.96%, the grassland area decreased by 11.83%, and the cropland area decreased by 15.83%. (2) The fragmentation of land patches and vegetation coverage is negatively and positively correlated with the buffer zone distance, respectively. In the same year, the comprehensive land-use dynamic degree is smaller as it is further away from the railway. The nighttime light index in the buffer zone is significantly correlated with the land aggregation index and average patch area, and the closer to the railroad, the higher the land aggregation index of construction land. (3) In terms of zoning, the intensity of land cover and landscape pattern changes in the eastern section is higher than that in the western section, with a higher degree of land fragmentation and more agglomeration of construction land, and the transportation corridor has a greater impact on the change of integrated land use motives in this region. The results of the study can provide a scientific basis for optimising the spatial pattern of land and improving the ecological environment in the construction of cross-regional transport corridors.

Модель оцінки конкурентоспроможності транспортно-логістичної системи в умовах цифрової трансформації економіки

Introduction. In modern conditions of development of the world economy, the digital economy is one of the most relevant and important factors in ensuring economic growth. The digital transformation of the economy is a primary direction of innovative development of socio-economic systems, and therefore a tool for creating long-term competitive advantages of the transport and logistics system. The article examines the issue of economic problems associated with obtaining an integrated assessment of the level of competitiveness of the transport and logistics system. The purpose of the article is to analyze the impact of the digitalization of the economy on the competitiveness of the transport and logistics system and to create a model for obtaining an integrated evaluation of its competitiveness based on factors that reflect the specifics of the services provided by the system in the conditions of the digital transformation of the economy. Research methods. The digital transformation of the transport and logistics system is carried out based on the implementation of digitalization at all levels of business processes of economic structures: from the optimization of the logistics of physical flows and the optimization of data exchange to customer service. To assess the level of competitiveness of the transport and logistics system, it is proposed to calculate the competitiveness index by group of services in the process of transporting material flow. The model for calculating the integrated indicator of the competitiveness of the transport and logistics system is described, which is a three-stage multifactor model. Results. The economic evaluation of the digital transformation of the development of logistics services in railway transport allows for specifying the specifics of service services and clarifying the possibilities of using logistics methods of service response in carrying out cargo transportation. This makes it necessary to clarify the place and role of service support of cargo flow in the transport and logistics system and points to bottlenecks that must be overcome in the future to increase the level of competitiveness not only of the system but also of the country as a whole. Conclusions. The development of the digital transformation of the transport and logistics system consists of solving various socio-economic and technological tasks, which include the emergence of new products and new markets; reduction of costs for conducting business activities; and increasing productivity and efficiency of logistics and transport processes. As a result is increased competition in the transport and logistics system.

High-frequency Resonance Suppression of Railway Traction Power Supply System Based on the Combination of Single-tuned and C-type Filters

Background: Railroad transportation in the actual operation process, there are also many dangerous accidents caused by resonance, which greatly affect the safety of railroad transportation. A comprehensive examination of the operational dynamics within the power branch of a traction substation is imperative for sustaining system equilibrium. Discrepancies between these facets pose a potential threat to the safety of railway transport. Thus, a meticulous analysis of highfrequency resonance characteristics and the formulation of effective suppression techniques become paramount. Objective: Harmonics from grid-side locomotive traction braking are scrutinized under different operational scenarios and different train runs. The aim is to develop an effective harmonic management strategy to normalize the THD and thus maintain the traction power supply system to become more stable. Methods: This study investigates the high-frequency harmonic resonance characteristics using a control variable approach. Harmonics and negative sequences generated during locomotive traction braking under different operating conditions are investigated by means of extensive analysis. These challenges require the implementation of a harmonic management method. This method uses a combination of two monotonic filters and a C filter in parallel. This method applies to different operating conditions and can dynamically adapt harmonics to changes in the number of trains, which is related to the actual dynamics of the traction power system closely. Results: A comparative evaluation of seven operating conditions shows that the filter in this patent exceeds the efficiency of existing methods. The filter reduces the fluctuations during spectral changes, and the voltage distortion rate decreases from the previous 2.33% to 0.55%, making it more adaptable and promising effective harmonic management in high voltage and high current situations. Conclusion: Through multiple simulation tests, a synergistic configuration involving the C-type filter and two single-tuned parallel connections under regenerative braking conditions emerges. This refined, patented filter design not only mitigates the impact of negative sequence during the filtration process but also substantially diminishes high harmonics and THD.

Validation of numerical method of unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes coupled with discrete phase model and optimization for the snow-resistance performance of bogies of a high-speed train

This paper presents an investigation aimed at enhancing the snow resistance of bogies in a three-car grouped alpine high-speed train (HST) that operates in a snowy region. The study employs a combination of the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model, coupled with the discrete phase model. This modeling approach has been validated through wind tunnel tests, including flow field tests, two-phase flow tests, and snow-ice tests. The study comprehensively compares the characteristics of the wind-snow flow, spatial snow concentration, and the distribution of snow on the train's underbody between two scenarios: the original train's underbody structure and the multifactor collaborative optimization scheme (MCOS). The results indicate that the MCOS case facilitates the escape of snow particles from the bogie cavities by weakening the upward and reverse flows. Furthermore, the MCOS case significantly reduces the concentration of snow particles around the heat-producing elements and decreases the accumulation of snow on both the lower and upper surfaces of the bogies. As a result, it reduces snow accumulation on the bogies by 50.6%, 56.4%, 60.8%, and 62.4% at train speeds of 200, 250, 300, and 350 km/h, respectively. In summary, this research provides valuable insights for improving the snow resistance of HSTs operating in snowy regions, with potential applications in enhancing railway transportation safety and efficiency.

Secure virtual coupling control of connected train platoons under cyber attacks

Virtual coupling of automated trains has emerged as a promising technology to enhance the operational efficiency and line capacity of railway transportation systems. However, the vulnerability of such systems to malicious cyber attacks poses a significant threat to their stability, reliability and applicability. This article addresses the challenge of ensuring secure virtual coupling control of connected train platoons subject to various cyber attacks, including false data injection attacks, denial-of-service attacks, and replay attacks. First, based on the low-dimensional and noisy sensor measurements, novel set-valued observers are designed for each follower train to estimate their inaccessible full longitudinal motion states despite uncertainties and unknown attacks and noises. Then, distributed secure attack-compensation-based virtual coupling control laws are developed to ensure the platoon's stability and resilience against cyber attacks. Additionally, formal stability analysis of the resultant estimation error system and platoon tracking error system is provided. Furthermore, two algorithms are presented to elaborate the offline observer and controller design process as well as their online implementation. Finally, based on the data of a realistic urban rail transit line, simulation experiments are conducted to validate the efficacy of the proposed theoretical findings.