Train Wagons Research Articles

RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES IN ROMANIA: PERCEPTIONS, PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES

The present research is a pilot study that analyses citizens' perceptions regarding the rail services provided by the Romanian Railways Company - traveller division (CFR Călători SA). The main objectives of the research are: (1) To assess citizens' satisfaction concerning the rail services in Romania; (2) To investigate citizens’ perception regarding the quality of the rail services; (3) To identify the aspects that should be improved in the rail services provided to citizens. The research methodology consists of an opinion survey, conducted among citizens in Bucharest-Ilfov region. The study revealed a rather negative perception regarding the rail services provided by the Romanian Railways Company - travellers division (CFR Călători SA). Respondents were at least satisfied with: trains’ punctuality, the cleanliness in the train wagons, the number of counters for tickets available in the train stations and the food and drinks that can be provided in trains and were satisfied the most with the temperature in the trains wagons, the luggage space and, the attitude of the trains’ personnel. Also, the study showed that on the whole, the respondents considered that the rail company provides services of medium quality.

When It’s Worth the Effort: User Perceptions of AR-enhanced News Reports on Television

ABSTRACT In the past years, news media organizations have explored Extended Reality (XR) for immersive storytelling in news. Despite the initial interest, XR has not been systematically integrated into TV news storytelling, raising questions about its value to news consumers. Additionally, there is no successful business model for Augmented Reality (AR) in news media, possibly due to the limited understanding of audience reception. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) in television news through the lens of its audience. An online survey was conducted among Flemish media users (N = 894) involved viewing two AR-enhanced news reports by the French commercial broadcaster TF1. One depicted the 1918 Armistice signing in a virtual train wagon; the other discussed car taxation with a virtual vehicle in the studio. Results showed positive viewer perceptions and evaluations of both AR applications. The use of AR did not negatively affect news credibility, and most respondents favored AR's systematic integration into Flemish broadcasts. Our findings confirmed that respondents emphasized the importance of informativeness and comprehensibility, suggesting that AR adds value to TV news not because it is a technological novelty, but because—and only if—it makes the news more accessible.

Analyzing Operational Dynamics: Centralized Load Distribution and Suspended Wagons in Self‐Propelled Trains

ABSTRACTThis paper primarily focuses on the distribution of axial loads in railway networks. The analysis assesses the advantages and disadvantages of articulated trains. In addition, the perspectives and proposed solutions of academicians are analyzed. Simpack accurately models all aspects of this articulated train model. Subsequently, the program emulates the control system of the train. This study demonstrates a control system that utilizes a hydraulic actuator. The proposed model and control system actuator's dynamic response are evaluated according to EN14363 and UIC518 standards to validate the functionality of the component. The stability of a railway train, particularly when making turns, relies on the proper allocation of weight on the wheels and axles. This research investigates the hazards associated with the uneven distribution of loads in train wagons, particularly when navigating curving tracks. A train designed for intercity travel was constructed utilizing a specific control system. The discrepancy in axle load is mitigated by implementing a straightforward control method. The train's carriage, which is suspended without bogies, resulted in fluctuating axle load. A disparity in axle load was established by an actuator positioned between the wagons. The control mechanism minimized load disparity and regulated axle load.

Migrants in the Old Train Wagons Borderland in Thessaloniki: From Abandonment to Infrastructures of Commοning

The article examines the living and infrastructuring practices of homeless newcomer migrants who find shelter in abandoned train wagons in the west end of Thessaloniki, an area described as “one of the biggest train cemeteries in Europe.” Hundreds of train wagons have been abandoned there over the years, especially after the 2010 financial crisis, when the state-owned railway company was faced with significant financial difficulties. These abandoned wagons form an urban borderland and have provided temporary shelter to numerous homeless and unregistered migrants who stop in Thessaloniki on their route to Central and Northern Europe. Although there is a significant number of studies which discuss the formal infrastructures provided by the state and the NGOs, little attention has been given to the various ways by which homeless and unregistered migrants create and self-manage their own infrastructures to meet their needs. The article aims to shed light on this shortage while examining the (re)production of arrival infrastructures by the migrants themselves. In doing so, the article builds upon the concept of abandonment and attempts to enrich it by drawing on the theories of arrival infrastructures and urban commons. It combines spatial analysis and urban ethnography in order to explore how an urban borderland with abandoned infrastructures, like the train wagons, are re-used and transformed into commoning infrastructures, where newcomers and settled migrants join their forces in their attempt to support each other, meet their needs and of “becoming otherwise.”

Sustainable Multi-Objective Truck Scheduling in a Rail-Road Physical Internet Cross-Docking Hub with Internal Storage

Cross-docking is a just-in-time logistics strategy that involves the seamless transfer of goods from receiving docks to shipping docks without the need for extensive storage. It optimizes the order picking process by efficiently moving freight with the same destination, regardless of their original suppliers. This paper delves into optimizing operations within a rail-road PI-hub cross-docking terminal, which includes an internal storage zone. The primary goal is to enhance the flexibility and sustainability of workflows within the cross-dock platform. Scheduling revolves around assigning PI-containers, unloaded from train wagons, to outbound trucks and their corresponding docks within a specified timeframe. The objective is to concurrently minimize storage costs, energy consumption costs of PI-conveyors during container movement, and the overall trucking expenses required to meet demand at various destinations. To address this, a Multi-Objective Mixed-Integer Programming model (MO-MIP) is formulated and solved using the CPLEX solver with Lexicographic Goal Programming. The model’s efficacy is demonstrated through testing on five distinct instances, where the CPLEX solver successfully identifies optimal solutions within reasonable computation times.

Effects of railway rolling noise on perceived pleasantness

Due to the recommendation of the European Commission, the railway companies have been replacing the conventional brake system of freight wagons. Since the retrofitting may lead to a change in noise characteristics, we aimed at examining its effectiveness to increase the pleasantness of the sounds.Realistic railway pass-by sounds were synthesized. We conducted a laboratory study with 44 participants who were asked which of pairwise presented sounds they perceived as more pleasant. Preference rankings were derived based on a metric scale.Participants preferred retrofitted freight trains to those with a conventional brake system. The more wagons of a train were retrofitted, the more pleasant the sound was rated. Pleasantness decreased with increasing sound pressure level.Since long-term exposure to unpleasant railway sounds may increase the number of highly annoyed residents, our findings provide important information to policy makers supporting the ban of freight train wagons with conventional brake systems.

Multiobjective analytical evolutionary algorithm for train stowage planning problem of steel industry

ABSTRACT The train stowage planning problem (TSPP) of the steel industry aims to select steel coils and allocate them to trains cost-effectively. It is a key component in the transportation of steel products. This study focuses on a multiobjective train stowage planning problem (MoTSPP) that maximises both the loading efficiency of the crane and the loading rate of the train. The MoTSPP also considers operation constraints related to steel coils, train wagons, and stowage modes in real-life railway transportation. An integer programming model is established to mathematically describe this problem. To obtain an efficient solution, a multiobjective analytical evolutionary algorithm (MAEA) that combines evolutionary algorithm (EA) with machine learning (ML) is presented. The EA part is a multiobjective differential evolution that introduces guided evolution and parameter adaptation to produce promising individuals and parameters, respectively. ML part adopts clustering algorithm and surrogate model to accelerate the search. Extensive comparisons and insight analyses are conducted from various perspectives to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the MAEA for solving the MoTSPP.

Resource allocation functionality with cluster aggregation (RAFCA) for secure HST video transmission

This paper presents an approach for resource allocation functionality with cluster aggregation (RAFCA) for securely transmitting surveillance videos in high-speed trains (HSTs). Each train wagon is assumed to be equipped with a surveillance camera, along with a mobile relay (MR) that communicates with the cellular base station (BS) on one hand and with the indoor devices inside the train on the other. The RAFCA approach is based on a permutation process of the video frames across multiple MRs, such that parts of the video captured by the camera of a given wagon are transmitted by the MRs of all other wagons. The probability of detection by an eavesdropper is calculated in this paper and shown to be negligible, which leads to the preservation of the privacy of the passengers. Moreover, the proposed approach is shown to have no or little impact on the quality of experience (QoE) of the transmitted videos, thus preventing quality degradation.

Sustainable Wireless Sensor Networks for Railway Systems Powered by Energy Harvesting from Vibration

The railroad is a particularly efficient means of transporting passengers and goods. In this field, safety, reliability, and punctuality are of great importance, despite harsh environmental conditions and variable loads. Predictive maintenance of train wagons, rails, and stations is becoming increasingly essential [1] and requires massive use of sensors for measuring relevant quantities, such as acceleration, temperature, pressure, strain, and changes in railroad tracks and train wheels.

Real-time Capacitive Sensor Applied to a Train Wagon Prototype for Measuring Iron Ore Moisture

The emission of particulates during rail transport is related to the low moisture of the ore, which causes environmental pollution along the railroad. Given this problem, this work proposes the development of a parallel plate capacitive sensor applied to a small wagon prototype made of acrylic to measure the iron ore moisture and support studies of particulate emissions carried out in a laboratory. The sensor uses the Real-Dual Frequency method, which decreases the influence of electrical conductivity on the dielectric constant, even using low frequency (up to 8 MHz). From the dielectric constant, iron ore moisture is determined from indirect calibration, which obtained an accuracy of 0.07 pp and a maximum error of 0.39 pp. This study shows the development of an innovative real-time capacitive sensor, which uses a modern impedance-based technique to investigate particulate emissions and the drying behavior of iron ore

Valuation of the influence of the basic specific resistance to the movement of freight cars on the energy costs of driving a train

The primary specific resistance to the movement of freight wagons is a key parameter for normalizing the time and energy consumption of trains. Although the “Rules of Traction Calculations” calls for dividing wagons into six groups when calculating this resistance, in practice (using the traditional method), appropriate regulations are developed based on the separation of train wagons into two groups (4th and 8th lips). One of the main reasons for this is the inability to account for the unique features of each wagon in a given train. To address this issue, a program was developed for determining the necessary parameters of wagons for traction calculations based on their identification numbers. This software can be accessed through the website https://trainlocomotive.netlife.app/. Using this program, a method for calculating the primary specific resistance to the movement of freight wagons has been developed. Field sheets of freight trains moving through the Uzbekistan Temir Yullari railway station were analyzed. As a result, it was discovered that nearly half of the freight train composition consists of empty wagons, while the proportion of loaded gondola cars and tanks is 23%. The primary specific resistance to the movement of wagons in such a mixed composition is calculated using both traditional and developed methods. The impact of the primary specific resistance on the energy costs of maintaining the train is evaluated. As a result, the feasibility of utilizing the developed method for normalizing electricity consumption based on traction calculations is demonstrated.

Development of an optimized maintenance scheduling for emergency rescue railway wagons using a genetic algorithm: a case study of Iran railways company

PurposeThis paper aims to optimize the maintenance scheduling of emergency rescue wagons in railway companies using a genetic algorithm (GA). It offers an integrated model for simultaneously solving maintenance planning, preventive maintenance, prognostic information and resource planning from which optimal levels of the system performance in terms of cost and repair time could be determined.Design/methodology/approachThis study initially evaluates the previous types of research in presenting the optimal model of the rescue train wagon for maintenance and repair planning and lists the identified criteria based on experts' opinions using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) techniques. Then, the final weight of the desired criteria is calculated. Later, the final decision matrix is evaluated by the experts. The final normal decision matrix is formed to select the optimal maintenance and repair planning plan based on the GA. Finally, two strategies including joint optimization strategy of preventive maintenance planning are compared with the independent preventive maintenance planning strategy.FindingsAccording to the primary results, three primary parameters, including technology, human damage caused by negligence and the average failure rate, should be considered for launching the GA model. Based on the results of the second part; by comparing the preventive maintenance planning strategy independently, the joint optimization strategy reduces the total cost of production up to 8.25%. Comparison results show that the total cost of joint optimization production is less than independent preventive maintenance and repair planning. Moreover, the value of total process time in joint optimization strategy was reduced by 1.2% compared to independent preventive maintenance (PM) planning (from 137.90 to 136.20 h).Originality/valueThe novelty of this paper lies on the application of the GAs to develop an optimized PM scheduling to localize the maintenance planning for maximizing productivity, avoid train accidents, reduce costs and increase efficiency and capacity.

Assessment of Coarse, Fine, and Ultrafine Particles in S-Bahn Trains and Underground Stations in Stuttgart

The Stuttgart S-Bahn network comprises six subway lines and is used by approximately 425,000 people on a daily basis. In previous studies in other cities, it was found that subways can be a source and collection point of particulate matter (PM), which is detrimental to human health. This study focused on making an initial assessment of the pollution situation inside the trains and on the underground platforms. Real-time measurements were performed with high time-resolution instruments inside the S-Bahn trains, two underground stations, and two outdoor stations in the Stuttgart subway network in November 2019. Firstly, the variation in concentration inside the train as it traveled through the tunnel was investigated, and it was recurrently observed that the pollutant concentration in the train increased while traveling through the tunnel and then decreased when nearing the tunnel exit. Secondly, the measurement location with the highest particulate matter concentrations was determined. The particulate matter concentrations on underground platforms were higher than those on the train and on the outdoor platforms. In addition, the dominant fraction of the particulate matter measured was in the range of ultrafine particles (UFP). Finally, the wind speed and wind direction data were analyzed in conjunction with specific locations along the platforms. From the wind measurement results, it was assumed that the combined airflows led to higher particle resuspension and particulate matter concentrations in these areas. In conclusion, it was determined that subway users were exposed to higher particle concentrations, particularly UFP (10–116 nm), while standing on underground platforms and when traveling through underground tunnels. It was found that the PNCs inside the train wagons as well as PM and BC mass concentrations increase when passing through the tunnel. Additionally, the average number concentration of UFPs on underground platforms was significantly higher than in other locations by factors of around 1.7 to 1.9 for UFPs and 1.6 to 2 for coarse and fine particles.

Mycotoxin Analysis of Grain via Dust Sampling: Review, Recent Advances and the Way Forward: The Contribution of the MycoKey Project.

The sampling protocols for the official control of the levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs are very costly and time-consuming. More efforts are needed to implement alternative sampling plans able to support official control, or to adapt the current ones. The aim of the research carried out within the European Horizon 2020 MycoKey project was to evaluate the applicability at industrial scale of the dust sampling approach to detect multiple mycotoxins in grains. To this end, two trials were performed on an EU industrial site: (i) control of the unloading of wheat from train wagons; (ii) control of the unloading of wheat from trucks. In line with previous studies, the MycoKey results indicated that dust sampling and mycotoxin analysis represent a fitness for purpose approach for non–destructive and rapid identification of wheat commodities compliant to the maximum permitted levels. Based on reviewed and newly generated results, this article discusses potential applications and limits of the dust sampling methodology, identifying future research needs.

Travel Hopping Enabled Resource Allocation (THEResA) and delay tolerant networking through the use of UAVs in railroad networks

This paper investigates the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)/drones for providing high data rates to mobile relays (MRs) placed on top of high speed train wagons, thus introducing the concept of Travel Hopping Enabled Resource Allocation (THEResA). The objective is to provide high data rate connectivity to train passengers in 5G+/6G networks. With the drone flying at the same train speed, highly directive beams can be formed and steered between the drone and each of the MRs. The simulation results in the paper show that this leads to high data rate connectivity, which will be reflected in the indoor links between the MRs and the train passengers inside the wagons. The drones maintain the connectivity to the cellular infrastructure by using high speed links with the cellular base stations (BSs) deployed along the rail track, e.g., through free space optics (FSO). The drones use the BS sites for recharging and resuming their operation. Therefore, a separate set of drones, or the same drones when they are not flying over trains, can be used to provide connectivity to remote rural areas. In fact, high speed trains might travel through rural areas with low population density. Although it is practical to lay fiber optic cables along the rail track, villages and small rural population agglomerations far from the railroad might not have access to the internet backhaul. UAVs can provide this connectivity in a delay tolerant fashion, by heading from the BSs/train station sites towards remote areas, collecting/transferring data from/to these areas, then returning to the sites along the rail track to recharge their batteries. This paper presents an analysis that shows the feasibility of this approach.

A Revised PFMEA Approach for Reliable Design of Assembly Activities

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel process failure mode and effect analysis (PFMEA) approach for the reliable design of assembly activities to prevent product defects due to errors during the assembly of complex products. PFMEA is approached as an integrated method that, in addition to implementing recommended actions, supports the design of worksheets, equipment, and layout of the assembly lines of complex systems, early in the design phase of the product. As a result, the innovative design-job element sheets (D-JESs), which report work instructions to the operator for assembly cycles, are defined before the design of the production and assembly process. The modification of the PFMEA structure, the implementation of proper recommended actions, and the designs of D-JESs, equipment, and assembly layout, early in the design phase of the product, are the novel contributions of the paper. The integrated method assures to effectively design the assembly process directly during the product design to avoid errors that could promote dissatisfaction of the end-users. It is practical to use and does not require large investments, implementation of new technologies, or complex additional training. Its practical application is demonstrated using a case study concerning a manufacturer of train wagons via manual assembly lines.

Seven Challenges for Communication in Modern Railway Systems

To meet the increasing demands for passenger data rates, modern railway communication networks face significant challenges. The advent of 5G communications after the long-term evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems provides several technological advances to address these challenges. In this paper, after reviewing the main 5G communication aspects for modern railways, we describe seven main challenges faced by train connectivity, and discuss appropriate solutions. Specifically, we elaborate on techniques for ensuring connectivity and energy efficiency for the passengers' user equipment (UE) through the use of mobile relays (MRs) on top of the train wagons in conjunction with intelligent resource allocation.

Effect of niobium and molybdenum addition on the wear resistance and the rolling contact fatigue of railway wheels

Brazilian heavy-haul railway companies have drawn extensive research in the last years for developing solutions that can make the operation in this area more efficient and safer, such as friction management, the use of new mechanical assemblies, and the use of new materials for wheels and rails. Another solution implemented is increasing the weight transported by train wagons; however, the more weight added, the more deterioration caused to wheels and rails, for example, promoting higher maintenance costs and risks to safety. Thus, the key to extending the life cycle of railroad wheels is to reduce the wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF) in developing new materials and in manufacturing them. Niobium (Nb) and molybdenum (Mo) are usually added to increase the mechanical strength of pearlitic steels by decreasing the interlayer spacing. This way, comparative twin-disc test for wheel material under dry conditions was performed to verify the wear resistance of a commercial railway wheel (7C) and a newly developed class D railway wheel steel (7 M) with Nb and Mo addition. Following the specifications of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) standard, a twin-disc tribometer with automatic control of load and speed was used. The slip ratio was obtained from the difference between the axis rotation. 7 M steel was observed to present lower mass loss compared with 7C steel. The Magnetic Barkhausen noise analysis showed higher residual stress close to the surface for 7 M steel, which correlated with the work-hardened depth. Such results, therefore, indicate that 7 M steel presented better performance than 7C steel regarding the specific characteristics of the tests. To confirm the feasibility of the wheel material for use in service, further twin-disc tests are proposed for both wheel materials (7 M & 7C) against the same rail material.

Reducing of coal dust release from train wagon with barrier

Intensive environment pollution takes place during coal transportation in open wagons. Emission of coal dust from the coal wagons cause contamination of atmosphere and territory adjacent to the railway track. Different ways to reduce coal dust emission from the wagon are used in the world. Unfortunately, in Ukraine, this problem is far from solution and there is no serious research work in this field. The aim of this work was laboratory study of coal dust emission from the wagon model which had different barriers installed on the wagon. Laboratory experiments were carried for coal wagon without barrier and for coal wagon which had barriers of two types. Barrier of the first type had downwind wing. Barrier of the second type had upwind wing. The contamination zones, concentration near the model were studied. The obtained results illustrate that installation of barriers influence intensity of transport corridor contamination. Also a numerical model was developed to estimate wind flow and coal dust dispersion from the coal wagon. Equation of potential flow and equation of coal dust dispersion were used. Implicit difference schemes of splitting were used for numerical simulation of governing equations. Results of numerical experiment, which were performed, are presented.

Channel Sounding and Ray Tracing for Intrawagon Scenario at mmWave and Sub-mmWave Bands

In order to realize the vision of “smart rail mobility,” a seamless high-data rate wireless connectivity with up to dozens of gigahertz bandwidth will be required. This forms a strong motivation for exploring the underutilized millimeter wave (mmWave) and sub-mmWave bands. In this article, the wireless channel in one “smart rail mobility” scenario- the intrawagon scenario-is characterized through ultrawideband (UWB) channel sounding and ray tracing (RT) at mmWave and sub-mmWave bands. To begin with, a series of horizontal directional scan-sounding measurements are performed inside a real high-speed train wagon at 60 and 300 GHz frequency bands with a bandwidth of 8 GHz. Correspondingly, the channel characteristics such as Rician K-factor, root-mean-square (rms) delay spread (DS), azimuth spread of arrival, and azimuth spread of departure are extracted and analyzed. Based on the measurements, a self-developed RT simulator is validated through the reconstruction of the three-dimensional wagon model and the calibration of the electromagnetic (EM) properties of the main materials. This gives the chance to physically interpret the measurement results and characterize the intrawagon mmWave and sub-mmWave channels more comprehensively through extensive RT simulations.