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The multi-objective optimisation of high-speed rail profile with small radius curve is studied in the paper. A multi-objective mathematical model for rail profile optimisation of high-speed railway is established. The CN60 rail profile is parameterised into a series of generalised functions of design variables. In order to guarantee the smoothness of the rail profile and meet the maximum grinding depth of rail in China, the constraints are employed. The wheel-rail vertical clearance and equivalent conicity of wheelset are taken as objective functions, and a rail wear prediction programme is compiled. Contact line method is employed to complete the detection algorithm of wheel-rail contact points. Finally, NSGA-II Algorithm is adopted to solve the Pareto-optimal front of the optimisation model. A set of solutions are retrieved from the Pareto optimal front solution as the optimised profile. The optimised rail profile and the original rail profile are matched with the LMA wheel profile (a certain worn type of wheel profiles for EMU in China) respectively. It is testified that the rail profile could effectively reduce the rail wear and improve curving performance. The new method proposed in this paper can provide some reference for the optimisation design of high-speed rail profile with small radius curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the previous studies of superconducting EDS train, the magneto-electric coupling between superconducting magnets (SCMs) and null-flux coils (NFCs), was equivalent to a vibration system with constant stiffness. This premise has decoupled the magnetic/track interaction and is not able to study the dynamics issues in an accurate and comprehensive level. Therefore, the vehicle-track coupled dynamics model of superconducting EDS train, with magneto-electric-force coupling fully considered, was established to explore the vehicle-track interaction relationship in this paper. A mathematical model based on Newton's laws and 3-D dynamic co-simulation model were built respectively by Simulink and MATLAB-SIMPACK to compare the operating performances with the time/frequency domain. Meanwhile, the dynamic electromagnetic forces were calculated by dynamic circuit theory rather than merely assuming the constant stiffness. The dynamic responses of suspension vehicle show that, the vibration of carbody and frame are mainly concentrated about 1 Hz and 5 Hz respectively. The use of equivalent model in the previous studies has overestimated the negotiation capacity of superconducting EDS train. Furthermore, the vertical vibration accelerations of frame in the coupled model are relatively larger, whereas the lateral vibration is comparatively smaller. Therefore, the electromagnetic calculation of superconducting EDS train with constant stiffness overestimates/underestimates the dynamic performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, several publications have shown that it is advisable to design an advanced driver assistance system using a shared control structure. This paper is concerned with the modelling and verification of an interactive steering control strategy between a driver and an active front steering (AFS) controller to investigate the complex interactions between human driver and an AFS system. Using game theory as a general framework, a more comprehensive mathematical model system of interactive steering control potentially applicable to explore human drivers’ behaviours in shared control of intelligent vehicles is presented and discussed in this paper. The effects of different information patterns, namely the open-loop pattern and the closed-loop feedback pattern on modelling shared steering control between driver and AFS have been investigated. Simulation and hardware-in-loop implementation results prove the validity of steering interactive modelling in different game information patterns. Specifically, the results show that, in the Nash equilibrium strategy situation, the driver and the AFS controller may become more rational and reasonable in the process of completing the same dynamic task in the closed-loop feedback information patterns compared to the open-loop ones; and the differences between feedback Nash and feedback Stackelberg may depend on the step size of discretisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cornering force and lateral static characteristics of a tyre are fundamental factors that describe the steering feel for handling performance. However, it is difficult to justify the contribution of each factor when the tyre’s cornering motion is evaluated through subjective assessment. Currently, the relaxation length of Pacejka’s tyre model is close to describing these tyre motions. Therefore, this paper proposes a string tyre model based on the relaxation length in order to represent the steering performance. The proposed method provides a more accurate modelling of the steering agility performance. Therefore, it is possible to use this model to predict the steering response performance, and this is validated through comparison with a real relaxation length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a mistake in the work presented in the paper ‘Solving conformal wheel-rail rolling contact problems’ [Vollebregt E, Segal A. Solving conformal wheel-rail rolling contact problems. Veh Syst Dyn. 2014;52(suppl. 1):455-468] on conformal contact analysis. This concerns the reference results for the Hertzian/planar test-case. The ‘effective lateral radius’ was computed twice higher than it should be. This makes the Hertzian ellipse appear wider and shorter than in the corrected results. Furthermore, the effect of contact angle on the effective curvature was omitted in both the Hertzian and conformal test cases. Finally, it has been argued that there could be an error in our formulas for the creep calculation. In that case, however, the formulation proves to be right if interpreted properly, and is easier to understand than that of the earlier references. This paper presents the corrections and their effects on the results. The normal problem appears to be affected the most: the size and shape of the contact area, total force and maximum pressure. The corrections reduce the influence of conformality compared to the planar contact approach, in correspondence with findings of Blanco-Lorenzo et al. [On the influence of conformity on wheel-rail rolling contact mechanics. Tribol Int. 2016;103:647-667]. The tangential problem is affected also, through the traction bound . There the same conclusions hold as before, when looking at other, closer conformal contact situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to introduce a new concept for a hydraulic semi-active yaw damper (SAYD) for the improvement of the stability of a high-speed rail vehicle. This concept represents a further elaboration of Secondary Yaw Control but envisages the use of semi-active hydraulic dampers instead of full-active electromechanical dampers, simplifying the design of the system and facilitating the design of a safe and fault tolerant device. Two control algorithms are proposed for the semi-active damper: maximum power point tracking and skyhook with Karnopp approximation. A multi-physics model of the SAYD is introduced and used in co-simulation with a multi-body model of a high-speed vehicle. Using these models, numerical simulations are performed to assess the behaviour of the semi-active damper in terms of improving the running stability of the rail vehicle at very high speed, showing that the use of the SAYD in combination with any of the two control strategies considered allows to improve substantially the stability of the vehicle. The results of experimental investigations performed in the project will be reported in a companion paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic simulation methods have become essential in the design process and control of the catenary–pantograph system, overall since high-speed trains and interoperability criteria are getting very trendy. This paper presents an original hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) strategy aimed at integrating a multicriteria active control within the catenary–pantograph dynamic interaction. The relevance of HIL control systems applied in the frame of the pantograph is undoubtedly increasing due to the recent and more demanding requirements for high-speed railway systems. Since the loss of contact between the catenary and the pantograph leads to arcing and electrical wear, and too high contact forces cause mechanical wear of both the catenary wires and the strips of the pantograph, not only prescribed but also economic and performance criteria ratify such a relevance. Different configurations of the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller are proposed and applied to two different plant systems. Since this paper is mainly focused on the control strategy, both plant systems are simulation models though the methodology is suitable for a laboratory bench. The strategy of control involves a multicriteria optimisation of the contact force and the consumption of the energy supplied by the control force, a genetic algorithm has been applied for this purpose. Thus, the PID controller is fitted according to these conflicting objectives and tested within a nonlinear lumped model and a nonlinear finite element model, being the last one validated against the European Standard EN 50318. Finally, certain tests have been accomplished in order to analyse the robustness of the control strategy. Particularly, the relevance or the plant simulation, the running speed and the instrumentation time delay are studied in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the dynamic behaviour of tyres and it is aimed at describing their dynamic features in the frequency band above 1 kHz, a range difficult to manage due to measurement noise and to the unreliability of numerical models, where the main influence is that of tread and blocks. Measurements have been made possible by fixing three three-axial micro-electro-mechanical system accelerometers on the liner and exciting the tyre under test by means of a dedicated test bench, suitably designed and constructed. Different kinds of tests have been considered in this research and described in the present paper. All of them show that a strong link exists between contact phenomena and tyre response in the frequency band over 1 kHz. This field is dominated by the tread and block dynamic responses. Furthermore, it is shown that vibrations of a sliding tyre give contributions in that frequency range for the above-mentioned reasons. It is thought that the study of the tyre behaviour over 1 kHz, though affected by significant uncertainties, can provide a proper knowledge to improve breaking effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving tractive effort is a very complex task in locomotive design. It requires the development of not only mechanical systems but also power systems, traction machines and traction algorithms. At the initial design stage, traction algorithms can be verified by means of a simulation approach. A simple single wheelset simulation approach is not sufficient because all locomotive dynamics are not fully taken into consideration. Given that many traction control strategies exist, the best solution is to use more advanced approaches for such studies. This paper describes the modelling of a locomotive with a bogie traction control strategy based on a co-simulation approach in order to deliver more accurate results. The simplified and advanced modelling approaches of a locomotive electric power system are compared in this paper in order to answer a fundamental question. What level of modelling complexity is necessary for the investigation of the dynamic behaviours of a heavy-haul locomotive running under traction? The simulation results obtained provide some recommendations on simulation processes and the further implementation of advanced and simplified modelling approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is for a reasonable choice of wear coefficients for severe and mild phases in Archard's abrasive wear theory and friction coefficients for wheel flange and tread that correspond to conditions of Russian track for wheel profile wear modelling using dynamic models of wagons. This paper considers the gondola wagon on bogies model 18-9855 that are of the three-piece Barber S-2-R design. The wagon running test results on Experimental Loop Track in Scherbinka, the results of hardness measurements of wheel flange/tread and of wheel profile wear modelling are presented in this paper. In conclusion, a comparison of wheels wear of two freight wagons’ bogies (with friction and elastic-friction links of wheel sets with side frames) on the basis of specified wear model was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is focused on modelling, design, and testing of semi-active magneto-rheological (MR) engine and transmission mounts used in the automotive industry. The purpose is to develop a complete analysis, synthesis, design, and tuning tool that reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming laboratory and field tests. A detailed mathematical model of such devices is developed using multi-physics modelling techniques for physical systems with various energy domains. The model includes all major features of an MR mount including fluid dynamics, fluid track, elastic components, decoupler, rate-dip, gas-charged chamber, MR fluid rheology, magnetic circuit, electronic driver, and control algorithm. Conventional passive hydraulic mounts can also be studied using the same mathematical model. The model is validated using standard experimental procedures. It is used for design and parametric study of mounts; effects of various geometric and material parameters on dynamic response of mounts can be studied. Additionally, this model can be used to test various control strategies to obtain best vibration isolation performance by tuning control parameters. Another benefit of this work is that nonlinear interactions between sub-components of the mount can be observed and investigated. This is not possible by using simplified linear models currently available. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A gear transmission system is a key element in a locomotive for the transmission of traction or braking forces between the motor and the wheel–rail interface. Its dynamic performance has a direct effect on the operational reliability of the locomotive and its components. This paper proposes a comprehensive locomotive–track coupled vertical dynamics model, in which the locomotive is driven by axle-hung motors. In this coupled dynamics model, the dynamic interactions between the gear transmission system and the other components, e.g. motor and wheelset, are considered based on the detailed analysis of its structural properties and working mechanism. Thus, the mechanical transmission system for power delivery from the motor to the wheelset via gear transmission is coupled with a traditional locomotive–track dynamics system via the wheel–rail contact interface and the gear mesh interface. This developed dynamics model enables investigations of the dynamic performance of the entire dynamics system under the excitations from the wheel–rail contact interface and/or the gear mesh interface. Dynamic interactions are demonstrated by numerical simulations using this dynamics model. The results indicate that both of the excitations from the wheel–rail contact interface and the gear mesh interface have a significant effect on the dynamic responses of the components in this coupled dynamics system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced empirical, and physical-based tyre models have proven to be accurate for simulating tyre dynamics; however, these tyre models typically require expensive and intensive tyre parameterisation. Recent research into wheeled unmanned ground vehicles requiring vertical force analysis has shown good results using a simple linear spring model for the tyre which demonstrate the continued use for simple tyre models; however, parameterisation of the tyre still remains a challenge when load test equipment is not available. This paper presents a cost-effective tyre vertical stiffness parameterisation procedure using only measured tyre geometry and air pressure for applications where high-fidelity tyre models are unnecessary. Vertical forces calculated through an air volume optimisation approach are used to estimate tyre vertical stiffness. Nine tyres from the literature are compared to evaluate the performance of the vertical force estimation and stiffness parameterisation algorithms. Experimental results on a pair of ATV tyres are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the investigation on a driver model that can be adjusted to perform the role of an impaired driver (especially, an alcohol-affected driver) who exhibits the deterioration in driving skills in correlation with a specific level of impairment. The linear vehicle model providing lateral displacement and yaw is coupled with the driver model that is derived as a linear quadratic regulator with delay. The decrement of performance is modelled by decreasing parameters that are preview time, visual perception, control gains and increasing reaction time. By comparing the standard deviation of the lateral position between the model and the real driver, the performance of the driver model impaired at the blood alcohol concentrations of 0.05%, 0.08% and 0.11% results in deteriorations of 21%, 26% and 30%, respectively. The lateral error is reduced if the vehicle parameters are adjusted to adapt to the impaired driver model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new pneumatic spring for vehicle suspension systems, allowing independent tuning of stiffness and ride height according to different vehicle operating conditions and driver preferences. The proposed pneumatic spring comprises a double-acting pneumatic cylinder, two accumulators and a tuning subsystem. This paper presents a detailed description of the pneumatic spring and its working principle. The mathematical model is established based on principles of thermo and fluid dynamics. An experimental setup has been designed and fabricated for testing and evaluating the proposed pneumatic spring. The analytical and experimental results confirm the capability of the new pneumatic spring system for independent tuning of stiffness and ride height. The mathematical model is verified and the capabilities of the pneumatic spring are further proved. It is concluded that this new pneumatic spring provides a more flexible suspension design alternative for meeting various conflicting suspension requirements for ride comfort and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the possibility of improving the performance of railway vehicle suspensions by incorporating a newly developed mechanical device known as the inerter. A comparative study of several low-complexity passive suspension layouts is made. Improved performance for the lateral and vertical ride comfort, as well as lateral body movement when curving are demonstrated in comparison with the conventional suspension layout. The constraints imposed are to maintain the same level of other performance metrics. The calculations and optimisations are based on linearised plan-view and side-view high-speed train mathematical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a three-dimensional nonlinear rigid body model has been developed for the investigation of the crashworthiness of a passenger train using the multibody dynamics approach. This model refers to a typical design of passenger cars and train constructs commonly used in Australia. The high-energy and low-energy crush zones of the cars and the train constructs are assumed and the data are explicitly provided in the paper. The crash scenario is limited to the train colliding on to a fixed barrier symmetrically. The simulations of a single car show that this initial design is only applicable for the crash speed of 35 km/h or lower. For higher speeds (e.g. 140 km/h), the crush lengths or crush forces or both the crush zone elements will have to be enlarged. It is generally better to increase the crush length than the crush force in order to retain the low levels of the longitudinal deceleration of the passenger cars. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes the use of independently rotating wheels with inverse tread conicity to get self-steering ability without any complex bogie structure. The effectiveness of the vehicle with two single-axle bogies that use two independently rotating wheel units with inverse tread conicity is proved by the 1/10 scale model experiment. The full vehicle model is made by means of multibody dynamics software SIMPACKTM. Both the experiment and simulation results show that the proposed inverse tread with independently rotating wheels have good performance. Running stability and curving ability of the proposed inverse tread for independently rotating wheels can be realised by using the semi-active yaw damper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steering feel, or steering torque feedback, is widely regarded as an important aspect of the handling quality of a vehicle. Despite this, there is little theoretical understanding of its role. This paper describes an initial attempt to model the role of steering torque feedback arising from lateral tyre forces. The path-following control of a nonlinear vehicle model is implemented using a time-varying model predictive controller. A series of Kalman filters are used to represent the driver's ability to generate estimates of the system states from noisy sensory measurements, including the steering torque. It is found that under constant road friction conditions, the steering torque feedback reduces path-following errors provided the friction is sufficiently high to prevent frequent saturation of the tyres. When the driver model is extended to allow identification of, and adaptation to, a varying friction condition, it is found that the steering torque assists in the accurate identification of the friction condition. The simulation results give insight into the role of steering torque feedback arising from lateral tyre forces. The paper concludes with recommendations for further work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspension components play key roles in the running behaviour of rail vehicles, and therefore, mathematical models of suspension components are essential ingredients of railway vehicle multi-body models. The aims of this paper are to review existing models for railway vehicle suspension components and their use for railway vehicle dynamics multi-body simulations, to describe how model parameters can be defined and to discuss the required level of detail of component models in view of the accuracy expected from the overall simulation model. This paper also addresses track models in use for railway vehicle dynamics simulations, recognising their relevance as an indispensable component of the system simulation model. Finally, this paper reviews methods presently in use for the checking and validation of the simulation model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A sliding-mode controller (SMC) is proposed for semi-active suspensions to achieve ride comfort and handling performance simultaneously. First, a nonlinear quarter-car model of Macpherson strut suspension is established in Matlab/Simulink. Constrained damper force and actuator dynamics are considered for the damper model. System identification is applied to the nonlinear model for obtaining the linear model parameters. Kalman filter is designed based on the linear model and the actuator dynamics to estimate the state responses required for SMC. The sliding surface consists of tyre deflection and sprung mass acceleration. The proposed SMC is evaluated using the nonlinear model for both time and frequency domain responses. Robustness due to the increased sprung mass and deteriorated suspension is also investigated in this paper. Preliminary simulation results show improved ride comfort without sacrificing the road holding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of the latest advances in road vehicle suspension design, dynamics, and control, together with the authors' perspectives, in the context of vehicle ride, handling, and stability. The general aspects of road vehicle suspension dynamics and design are discussed, followed by descriptions of road-roughness excitations with a particular emphasis on road potholes. Passive suspension system designs and their effects on road vehicle dynamics and stability are presented in terms of in-plane and full-vehicle arrangements. Controlled suspensions are also reviewed and discussed. The paper concludes with some potential research topics, in particular those associated with the development of hybrid and electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a previously derived model for the frequency-domain analysis of vehicles with hydraulically interconnected suspension (HIS) systems is applied to the ride analysis of a four-degrees of freedom roll-plane, half-car under a rough road input. The entire road surface is assumed to be a realisation of a two-dimensional Gaussian homogenous and isotropic random process. The frequency responses of the half-car, in terms of bounce and roll acceleration, suspension deflection and dynamic tyre forces, are obtained under the road input of a single profile represented by its power spectral density function. Simulation results obtained for the roll-plane half-car fitted with an HIS and those with conventional suspensions are compared in detail. In addition, sensitivity analysis of key parameters of the HIS to the ride performance is carried out through simulations. The paper also presents the experimental validation of the analytical results of the free and forced vibrations of the roll-plane half-car. The hydraulic and mechanical system layouts, data acquisition system and the external force actuation mechanism of the test set-up are described in detail. The methodology for free and forced vibration tests and the application of mathematical models to account for the effective damper valve pressure loss are explained. Results are provided for the free and forced vibration testing of the half-car with different mean operating pressures. Comparisons are also given between the test results and those obtained from the system model with estimated damper valve loss coefficients. Furthermore, discussions on the deficiencies and practical implications of the proposed model and suggestions for future investigation are provided. Finally, the key findings of the investigation on the ride performance of the roll-plane half-car are summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Braking distances play an important role in the organization of rail traffic and exploitation of rail vehicles. The braking distances of rail vehicles affect several factors that cannot be defined and determined precisely. In this paper, a mathematical model, for train moving through braking, is presented by taking into account the relevant train braking resistance and a procedure is given for solving a differential equation of movement of the rail vehicle during braking. The procedure allows determining influential factors that have an effect on the length of braking distances. The influence and the changes of specific resistance during the movement of the train, braking force, and adhesion between wheel and rail during the braking process are presented. The results obtained with the presented mathematical model are accurate and match with the results obtained experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies neural network models of vehicle dynamics. We consider both models with a generic layer architecture and models with specialised topologies that hard-wire physics principles. Network pre-wiring is limited to universal laws; hence it does not limit the network modelling abilities on one side but allows more robust and interpretable models on the other side. Four different network types (with and without pre-wired structure, recursive and non-recursive) are compared for the longitudinal dynamics of a car with gears and two controls (brake and engine). Results show that pre-wiring effectively improves the performance. Non-recursive networks also look to be preferable for several reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel idea on how to design an active suspension system to improve vehicle ride comfort and to actively tilt the vehicle inwards when it is subject to steering manoeuvres. Firstly, the motivations for active vehicle tilting via active suspensions are identified. Secondly, the mathematical models for the vehicle with active suspensions are built up and the link between active suspensions and vehicle roll characteristics is analysed. Thirdly, the control objectives of vehicle ride comfort and active tilting are incorporated into a standard robust-control framework and an H-infinity controller satisfying both objectives is designed. Finally, the integrated suspension control system is evaluated by computer simulations, in comparison to a passive suspension system and a traditional active one. The integrated control strategy not only improve vehicle ride comfort, but also actively tilt the vehicle inwards to act against vehicle steering manoeuvres. The active tilting reduces lateral acceleration experienced by passengers and reduces the possibility of vehicle rollover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyre behavior plays an important role in vehicle dynamics research. Knowledge of tyre properties is necessary to properly design vehicle components and advance control system. For that purpose mathematical models of the tyre are being used in vehicle simulation models. The Magic Formula Tyre Model is a semi-empirical tyre model which describes tyre behavior quite accurately. The Magic Formula Tyre Model needs a set of parameters to describe the tyre properties; the determination of these parameters is dealt with in this paper. A new method based on genetic techniques is used to determine these parameters. The main advantages of the method are its simplicity of implementation and its fast convergence to optimal solution, with no need of deep knowledge of the searching space. So to start the search, it is not necessary to know a set of starting values of the Magic Formula parameters. The comparison between analytical optimization methods and the method proposed is discussed din this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the application of different tyre models to analyse the shimmy phenomenon. Tyre models with the Magic Formula and a non-constant relaxation length are introduced. The energy flow method is applied to compare these tyre models. A trailing wheel suspension is used to analyse shimmy stability and to evaluate the differences between tyre models. Linearisation and nonlinear techniques, including bifurcation analysis, are applied to analyse this system. Extending the suspension model with lateral flexibility and structural damping reveals more information on shimmy stability. Although the nonlinear tyre models do not change the stability of equilibria, they determine the magnitude of the oscillation. It is concluded that the non-constant relaxation length should be included in the shimmy analysis for more accurate results at large amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bifurcation analysis of a simple mathematical model describing a road vehicle with a driver is presented. The mechanical model of the car has two degrees of freedom and the related equations of motion contain the nonlinear tyre characteristics. The driver is described by a well-known model proposed in the literature. The road vehicle model has been validated in a case study. Bifurcation analysis is adopted as the proper procedure for analysing both steady-state cornering and straight ahead motion at different speeds. The importance of properly computing steady-state equilibria is highlighted. The effect of a skilled driver is to broaden the basin of attraction of stable equilibria and, in some cases, to stabilise originally unstable behaviours. A subcritical Hopf bifurcation is normally found which limits the forward speed of either understeering or oversteering vehicles. A three-parameter bifurcation analysis is performed to understand the influence on stability of driver gain, of driver prediction time, of vehicle speed. It turns out, as expected from practice, that an oversteering vehicle is more challenging to be controlled than an understeering one. The paper proposes an insight into vehicle–driver interaction. The stabilising or de-stabilising effect of the driver is ultimately explained referring to the existence of a Hopf bifurcation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sideslip angle plays an important role in vehicle stability control. However, it is difficult to measure directly unless some complex and expensive devices are employed. Thus, sideslip angle estimated by vehicle states such as lateral acceleration, yaw rate and so on is required in real-time vehicle stability control. A new variable structure extended Kalman filter integrated with the sideslip angle rate feedback algorithm and damping item is proposed in this paper. The main idea of the sideslip angle rate feedback algorithm is to compensate the model error caused by road friction estimation inaccuracy while that of the damping item is to suppress the error accumulation. The estimated results are compared with the real values obtained by the differential global position system on a low friction road and it shows that the proposed methodology can provide accurate sideslip angle to some extent for vehicle stability control. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

McPherson suspension modelling poses a challenging problem due to its nonlinear asymmetric behaviour. The paper proposes a planar quarter-car analytical model that not only considers vertical motion of the sprung mass (chassis) but also: (i) rotation and translation for the unsprung mass (wheel assembly), (ii) wheel mass and its inertia moment about the longitudinal axis, and (iii) tyre damping and lateral deflection. This kinematic–dynamic model offers a solution to two important shortcomings of the conventional quarter-car model: it accounts for geometry and for tyre modelling. The paper offers a systematic development of the planar model as well as the complete set of mathematical equations. This analytical model can be suitable for fast computation in hardware-in-the-loop applications. Furthermore, a reproducible Simulink implementation is given. The model has been compared with a realistic Adams/View simulation to analyse dynamic behaviour for the jounce and rebound motion of the wheel and two relevant kinematic parameters: camber angle and track width variation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Damage to the surface of railway wheels and rails commonly occurs in most railways. If not detected, it can result in the rapid deterioration and possible failure of rolling stock and infrastructure components causing higher maintenance costs. This paper presents an investigation into the modelling and simulation of wheel-flat and rail surface defects. A simplified mathematical model was developed and a series of experiments were carried out on a roller rig. The time–frequency analysis is a useful tool for identifying the content of a signal in the frequency domain without losing information about its time domain characteristics. Because of this, it is widely used for dynamic system analysis and condition monitoring and has been used in this paper for the detection of wheel flats and rail surface defects. Three commonly used time–frequency analysis techniques: Short-Time Fourier Transform, Wigner–Ville transform and wavelet transform were investigated in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reliability of the railway vehicle suspension system is of critical importance to the safety of the vehicle. On-line health condition monitoring for the suspension system of rail vehicles offers a number of benefits such as preventing further deterioration of vehicle performance, enhancing vehicle safety, increasing operational reliability and availability, and reducing maintenance costs. It is desirable to timely detect the fault and monitor the performance degradation of vehicle suspension systems. In this paper, a comparative study on fault detection methods of urban rail vehicle suspension systems is considered. A novel sensor configuration is proposed where the underlying vehicle system is equipped with only acceleration sensors in the four corners of the carbody, the leading and trailing bogie, respectively. A mathematical model is developed for the considered vehicle suspension system. Both model-based and data-driven approaches are studied for the suspension fault detection problem. The robust observer, the Kalman filter combined with the generalised likelihood ratio test method, the dynamical principle components analysis and the canonical variate analysis approaches are applied to the fault detection problem. The simulation is carried out by means of the professional multi-body simulation tool, SIMPACK. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared. The simulation results show that the data-driven methods outperform the model-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is a promising technique to study the pantograph–catenary interaction problems by realising the interaction of a physical pantograph with a mathematical model of the overhead equipment (catenary). However, the computing power presently available on real-time CPUs only allows to run simplified models of the overhead equipment. Therefore, it is important to define catenary models that are suitable for real-time simulation and at the same time capable of accurately representing the dynamic behaviour of the catenary. In this paper, the use of a catenary model based on modal superposition is considered, and the effect of changing the number of modelled spans and the number of modal components allocated to the contact and messenger wires is investigated in view of finding the best model compatible with real-time simulation. Comparisons between HIL simulation results and line measurements are presented, to quantify the accuracy of the hybrid simulation method developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a train dynamic model was developed to study the dynamic performance of heavy haul locomotives, taking into account the use of different coupler and buffer systems under conditions of severe longitudinal coupler compressive forces. The model consists of four locomotives each having 38 independent degrees of freedom and one dummy freight vehicle connected to each other by couplers and buffers. Simulation results showed that the longitudinal coupler compressive forces withstood by large rotation angle couplers with coupler shoulders were larger than those withstood by small rotation angle couplers. The results obtained for the large rotation angle coupler model showed that it had higher safety curve negotiation speeds. Due to the smaller static impedance, it was found that large capacity elastic clay (or cement) buffers cannot satisfy the requirement of heavy haul locomotives during cycle braking in long heavy downgraded tracks; the use of friction clay buffers can solve this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the synthesis of a robust gain-scheduled H∞ MIMO vehicle dynamic stability controller (VDSC) involving both steering and rear braking actuators. This VDSC aims at improving automotive vehicle yaw stability and lateral performances. The aim of this work is to provide a methodology to synthesise such a controller while taking into account the braking actuator limitations and use the steering actuator only if it is necessary. These objectives are treated in an original way by the synthesis of a parameter-dependent controller built in the LPV framework and by the solution of an LMI problem. The proposed solution is coupled with a local ABS strategy to guarantee slip stability and make the solution complete. Nonlinear time and frequency domain simulations on a complex full vehicle model (which has been validated on a real car), subject to critical driving situations, show the efficiency and robustness of the proposed solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a mathematical model of train-turnout interaction in the mid-frequency range (0-500 Hz). The model accounts for the effects of rail profile variation along the track and of local variation of track flexibility. The proposed approach is able to represent the condition of one wheel being simultaneously in contact with more than one rail, allowing the accurate prediction of the effect of wheels being transferred from one rail to another when passing over the switch toe and the crossing nose. Comprehensive results of train-turnout interaction during the negotiation of the main and the branch lines are presented, including the effect of wear of wheel/rail profiles and presence of track misalignment. In the final part of the paper, comparisons are performed between the results of numerical simulations and line measurements performed on two different turnouts for urban railway lines, showing a good agreement between experimental and numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a robust modelling and control method for an active vehicle suspension fitted with a magneto-rheological (MR) damper, and evaluates the performance of the active suspension (AS) in a hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) platform. Firstly, mathematical models for a quarter vehicle including a nonlinear MR damper are given, and a linear piecewise function describing an inverse MR damper model is derived for an easy hardware implementation. Secondly, the uncertainty associated with the nonlinear MR damper and the HiL platform is recast into an input-type unstructured uncertainty, and the AS control problem is transformed into and solved by the H-infinity control method. Thirdly, the HiL platform is setup, where the vehicle is modelled in software, and the controller is implemented in a digital signal processor (DSP). Finally, the AS is assessed by MATLAB-based software simulations and DSP-based HiL ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical investigation on the derailment of a railway wheelset with solid axle. Tests were carried out under quasi-steady-state conditions, on a full-scale roller rig, and allowed to point out the effect of different parameters like the wheelset's angle of attack and the ratio between the vertical loads acting on the flanging and non-flanging wheels. On the basis of the test results, some existing derailment criteria are analysed in this paper and two new criteria are proposed. A model of wheel–rail contact is proposed for the mathematical modelling of the flange climb process, and numerical vs . experimental comparisons are used to obtain model validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful modelling and simulation of driver behaviour is important for the current industrial thrust of computer-based vehicle development. The main contribution of this paper is the development of an adaptive lateral preview human driver model. This driver model template has a few parameters that can be adjusted to simulate steering actions of human drivers with different driving styles. In other words, this model template can be used in the design process of vehicles and active safety systems to assess their performance under average drivers as well as atypical drivers. We assume that the drivers, regardless of their style, have driven the vehicle long enough to establish an accurate internal model of the vehicle. The proposed driver model is developed using the adaptive predictive control (APC) framework. Three key features are included in the APC framework: use of preview information, internal model identification and weight adjustment to simulate different driving styles. The driver uses predicted vehicle information in a future window to determine the optimal steering action. A tunable parameter is defined to assign relative importance of lateral displacement and yaw error in the cost function to be optimized. The model is tuned to fit three representative drivers obtained from driving simulator data taken from 22 human drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ballasted railway track exposed to train traffic will degenerate. Track alignment and track level will deteriorate. Settlements of the track (loss of track level and alignment) require maintenance; the track is lifted and aligned, and new ballast material is injected under the sleepers. This paper presents a computer model by which the dynamic train/track interaction can be simulated and the permanent deformation of the track (i.e. track settlements) can be calculated. The voided sleepers ("hanging" sleepers) phenomenon will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes progress of research into the mechanisms of high-frequency (up to 500 Hz) force generation in hydraulic automotive dampers. A test facility for making measurements of high-frequency behaviour is described. The force response of a monotube damper to double-sinusoid displacement inputs is presented. Wavelet analysis is used to aid identification of the force generation mechanisms. Friction is found to make a significant contribution, particularly at changes in sign of damper velocity and at high frequencies. An existing mathematical model of a damper is modified to improve the representation of friction, and it is found that prediction of force response to a random displacement input is significantly improved at frequencies above 50 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new approach to model reference based adaptive second-order sliding mode control together with adaptive state feedback is presented to control the longitudinal dynamic motion of a high speed train for automatic train operation with the objective of minimal jerk travel by the passengers. The nonlinear dynamic model for the longitudinal motion of the train comprises of a locomotive and coach subsystems is constructed using multiple point-mass model by considering the forces acting on the vehicle. An adaptation scheme using Lyapunov criterion is derived to tune the controller gains by considering a linear, stable reference model that ensures the stability of the system in closed loop. The effectiveness of the controller tracking performance is tested under uncertain passenger load, coupler-draft gear parameters, propulsion resistance coefficients variations and environmental disturbances due to side wind and wet rail conditions. The results demonstrate improved tracking performance of the proposed control scheme with a least jerk under maximum parameter uncertainties when compared to constant gain second-order sliding mode control. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Race car drivers can offer insights into vehicle control during extreme manoeuvres; however, little data from race teams is publicly available for analysis. The Revs Program at Stanford has built a collection of vehicle dynamics data acquired from vintage race cars during live racing events with the intent of making this database publicly available for future analysis. This paper discusses the data acquisition, post-processing, and storage methods used to generate the database. An analysis of available data quantifies the repeatability of professional race car driver performance by examining the statistical dispersion of their driven paths. Certain map features, such as sections with high path curvature, consistently corresponded to local minima in path dispersion, quantifying the qualitative concept that drivers anchor their racing lines at specific locations around the track. A case study explores how two professional drivers employ distinct driving styles to achieve similar lap times, supporting the idea that driving at the limits allows a family of solutions in terms of paths and speed that can be adapted based on specific spatial, temporal, or other constraints and objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In passenger cars, the ride characteristics are fundamental to the driver and passenger engagement, as they define the comfort and road holding performance. Therefore, the methods and tools to assess ride quality are of significant interest to the vehicle dynamics specialists, and are an important part of the internal know-how of each car maker and Tier 1 supplier, which is often kept confidential. Unfortunately, the available literature does not include a comprehensive survey on the evaluation of the objective and subjective aspects related to ride, and their correlation. This review targets the gap, and deals with: (i) the available tools and techniques to objectively assess primary and secondary ride, including typical manoeuvres, road profiles, required vehicle instrumentation, and key performance indicators (KPIs); (ii) the subjective attributes and their categorisation; (iii) the approaches and mathematical models to correlate the objective KPIs with the subjective evaluation; and (iv) future trends. The know-how of the authors on the ride assessment of high-performance passenger cars will also be used to cover the aspects that are currently overlooked by the available literature and standards. In summary, the manuscript provides the interested reader with useful guidance on the procedures to perform ride quality analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the track geometry on the dynamic response of the train is of great concern for the railway companies, because they have to guarantee the safety of the train passengers in ensuring the stability of the train. In this paper, the long-term evolution of the dynamic response of the train on a stretch of the railway track is studied with respect to the long-term evolution of the track geometry. The characterisation of the long-term evolution of the train response allows the railway companies to start off maintenance operations of the track at the best moment. The study is performed using measurements of the track geometry, which are carried out very regularly by a measuring train. A stochastic model of the studied stretch of track is created in order to take into account the measurement uncertainties in the track geometry. The dynamic response of the train is simulated with a multibody software. A noise is added in output of the simulation to consider the uncertainties in the computational model of the train dynamics. Indicators on the dynamic response of the train are defined, allowing to visualize the long-term evolution of the stability and the comfort of the train, when the track geometry deteriorates. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper devotes analytical effort in developing the 2Mequivalent approach to analyse both the effect of vehicle body roll andn-axle handling on vehicle dynamics. The 1Mequivalent vehicle 2DOF equation including an equivalent roll effect was derived from the conventional two-axle 3DOF vehicle model. And the 1Mequivalent dynamics concepts were calculated to evaluate the steady-state steering, frequency characteristics, and root locus of the two-axle vehicle with only the effect of body roll. This 1Mequivalent approach is extended to a three-axle 3DOF model to derive similar 1Mequivalent mathematical identities including an equivalent roll effect. The 1Mequivalent wheelbases and stability factor with the effect of the third axle or body roll, and 2Mequivalent wheelbase and stability factor including both the effect of body roll and the third-axle handling were derived to evaluate the steady-state steering, frequency characteristics, and root locus of the three-axle vehicle. By using the recursive method, the generalised 1Mequivalent wheelbase and stability factor with the effect ofn-axle handling and 2Mequivalent generalised wheelbase and stability factor including both the effect of body roll andn-axle handling were derived to evaluate the steady-state steering, frequency characteristics, and root locus of then-axle vehicle. The 2Mequivalent approach and developed generalised mathematical handling concepts were validated to be useful and could serve as an important tool for estimating both the effect of vehicle body roll andn-axle handling on multi-axle vehicle dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes an approach for the validation of railway vehicle models based on on-track measurements. The validation of simulation models has gained importance with the introduction of new applications of multi-body simulation in railway vehicle dynamics as the assessment of track geometry defects, the investigation of derailments and the analysis of gauging. These applications are not only interested in qualitative predictions of the vehicle behaviour but also in precise quantitative results of the safety and comfort relevant vehicle responses. The validation process aims at guaranteeing that the simulation model represents the dynamic behaviour of the real vehicle with a sufficient good precision. A misfit function is defined which quantifies the distance between the simulated and the measured vehicle response allowing to evaluate different models at different running conditions. The obtained modelling errors are compared to the measurement uncertainty estimated for one vehicle using repeatability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the locomotive traction controller performance with respect to the track wear under different operation conditions. In particular, an investigation into the dynamic response of a locomotive under changing wheel–rail friction conditions is performed with an aim to determine the effect of controller setting on track wear. Simulation using a full-scale longitudinal–vertical locomotive dynamic model shows that the appropriately designed creep threshold, controller, settings can effectively maintain a high tractive effort while avoiding excessive rail damage due to wear, especially during acceleration under low speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]