Dynamic analysis and performance of a repoint track switch

Bezin, Yann; Sarmiento-Carnevali, M.L.; Sichani, Matin Sh.; Neves, Sérgio; Kostovasilis, Dimitrios; Bemment, Samuel D.; Harrison, Tim J.; Ward, Christopher P.; Dixon, Roger

doi:10.1080/00423114.2019.1612925

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…For example, in [19] a very simple mathematical model was used to estimate the maximum torque to operate the stub switch. Bezin et al [20] used multi-body simulations to evaluate the dynamic interaction forces due to the passage of rolling stock over the stub switch rail ends, in comparison to a conventional switch. Kaijuka et al [21] included quite a detailed process to define the switch (stub switch) system parameters, experimental validation of the model and tested different close loop feedback control approaches, which were demonstrated on a small scale lab-demonstrator of a single bearer with no switch rails/load).…”

Section: Introduction 1literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Realisation of a Novel Functionally Redundant Actuation System for a Railway Track-Switch

et al. 2021

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This paper focuses on modelling, control, realisation and performance analysis of a full-scale demonstrator for a novel railway track switch. For over a century, railway track switches (or points) have been allowing trains to safely change between routes. As they are safety-critical elements of the rail network, when they fail, the signalling system will prevent trains from using that route. This means poor reliability (or lack of availability) leads to significant delays and costs; hence there is huge interest from researchers and engineers in improving the overall reliability of track switches. This paper presents new results, which represent a meaningful first step toward a revolution in the way track switches are actuated. A “REPOINT-Light” railway track switch demonstrator is introduced which uses a new concept of locking to allow redundant actuation with three actuator bearers operating under closed-loop feedback control. The new concept, its control system and its mechanical viability are tested in experiments at the Great Central Railway in the UK. To support the design of the actuators and the control system, a dynamic simulation model is developed by co-simulation involving Simulink and Simpack. The experimental results presented are used to validate the models and the paper discusses how the models themselves are used as the vehicle for the design of feedback controllers. Virtual testing of the controllers in simulation is a vital step prior to the implementation and deployment of the controllers in the demonstrator switch. The major contribution of this work is demonstrating, for the first time at full scale on a real-world track switch, that it is possible to use one-out-of-three actuator redundancy to provide fault-tolerant operation of railway track switch.

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Section: Introduction 1literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Realisation of a Novel Functionally Redundant Actuation System for a Railway Track-Switch

et al. 2021

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“…Although these elements represent a small part of the overall railway line, turnouts are associated with a large share of the total maintenance expenses of the railway infrastructure. e existence of variable rail geometry and track flexibility makes the turnout negotiation highly prone to impact loads and to the appearance of unusual wheel-rail contact configurations when compared with regular operations with constant rail profiles [27][28][29]. e most critical cases occur in the switch, when the wheel transfers from the stock rail to the switch rail, and in the crossing, when the wheel passes from the wing rail to the crossing nose.…”

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confidence: 99%

Wheel-rail contact models in the presence of switches and crossings

Magalhães

Marques

Antunes

et al. 2022

Vehicle System Dynamics

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Multibody codes are widely used to model and study the operation of railway vehicles on realistic track, where the wheel-rail contact model is the key to represent the vehicle-track interaction forces. However, the development and implementation of wheel-rail contact models in multibody codes remain two active research topics, aiming at improving the accuracy of numerical results and computational efficiency of the dynamics analysis. The realism of numerical results is challenged when considering switches and crossings (S&C), where the most adverse wheel-rail contact conditions occur. This paper presents a benchmark study where the performance of the multibody codes MUBODyn, VOCO and VI-Rail are assessed using three case scenarios that involve typical contact conditions observed in S&C. A focused description of the relevant methods to determine the wheel-rail contact forces is presented for each software. The three scenarios considered in this work have been designed to represent typical challenging contact conditions observed in S&C, i.e. conformal contact, contact with a sharp edge, and impact loads. The scenarios proposed in this work are fully described, making them easily reproducible. The agreement between results is discussed in the framework of the methods implemented in each code. This work highlights the impact of wheelrail contact methods on the results as well as on the computational efficiency of the multibody codes.

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A framework for dynamic modelling of railway track switches considering the switch blades, actuators and control systems

Dutta,

Harrison,

Ward

et al. 2024

Railw. Eng. Sci.

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The main contribution of this paper is the development and demonstration of a novel methodology that can be followed to develop a simulation twin of a railway track switch system to test the functionality in a digital environment. This is important because, globally, railway track switches are used to allow trains to change routes; they are a key part of all railway networks. However, because track switches are single points of failure and safety-critical, their inability to operate correctly can cause significant delays and concomitant costs. In order to better understand the dynamic behaviour of switches during operation, this paper has developed a full simulation twin of a complete track switch system. The approach fuses finite element for the rail bending and motion, with physics-based models of the electromechanical actuator system and the control system. Hence, it provides researchers and engineers the opportunity to explore and understand the design space around the dynamic operation of new switches and switch machines before they are built. This is useful for looking at the modification or monitoring of existing switches, and it becomes even more important when new switch concepts are being considered and evaluated. The simulation is capable of running in real time or faster meaning designs can be iterated and checked interactively. The paper describes the modelling approach, demonstrates the methodology by developing the system model for a novel “REPOINT” switch system, and evaluates the system level performance against the dynamic performance requirements for the switch. In the context of that case study, it is found that the proposed new actuation system as designed can meet (and exceed) the system performance requirements, and that the fault tolerance built into the actuation ensures continued operation after a single actuator failure.

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Dynamic analysis and performance of a repoint track switch

Cited by 6 publications

References 14 publications

Realisation of a Novel Functionally Redundant Actuation System for a Railway Track-Switch

Realisation of a Novel Functionally Redundant Actuation System for a Railway Track-Switch

Wheel-rail contact models in the presence of switches and crossings

A framework for dynamic modelling of railway track switches considering the switch blades, actuators and control systems

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