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ABSTRACT Greater efficiency in the consumption of energy in the transport sector would mean lower emissions of CO2 and other gases and particles, which contribute to climate change. One of the ways to reduce the impact that the transport sector has on climate change turns out to be the achievement of services with a more efficient consumption of energy per passenger‐km or t‐km transported. Energy consumption has been an ongoing concern in the railway sector practically since its inception. There has always been an interest in finding solutions to reduce it, such as improvements in rolling stock design and the use of regenerative braking which will not be analyzed in this article, and optimal train movement, operation and timetabling, and infrastructure design. This article analyses the existing methodologies that allow the improvement of energy efficiency, and we verified that the developed studies focus more on LRT and Metro systems, and existing infrastructures, namely Urban Rail Transit, characterized by high levels of traffic and energy consumption. However, regarding the analysis of conventional railway infrastructure characteristics and design from an energy efficiency point of view, we found that less has been done relative to strategies to improve energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Train Rolling-Stock Examination (TRSE) is a safety examination process that physically examines the bogie parts of a moving train, typically at speeds over 30 km/h. Currently, this inspection process is done manually by railway personnel in many countries to ensure safety and prevent interruptions to rail services. Although many earlier attempts have been made to semi-automate this process through computer-vision models, these models are iterative and still require manual intervention. Consequently, these attempts were unsuitable for real-time implementations. In this work, we propose a detection model by utilizing a deep-learning based classifier that can precisely identify bogie parts in real-time without manual intervention, allowing an increase in the deployability of these inspection systems. We implemented the Anchor-Free Yolov8 (AFYv8) model, which has a decoupled-head module for recognizing bogie parts. Additionally, we incorporated bogie parts tracking with the AFYv8 model to gather information about any missing parts. To test the effectiveness of the AFYv8-model, the bogie videos were captured at three different timestamps and the result shows the increase in the recognition accuracy of TRSE by 10 % compared to the previously developed classifiers. This research has the potential to enhance railway safety and minimize operational interruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ) milling effectively processes high-strength materials like WNiFe tungsten alloy without altering their properties. This study investigates the effects of jet pressure, traverse speed, and abrasive mass flow rate on the machining performance. The results indicate that increasing jet pressure significantly enhances groove depth, with higher pressures leading to more aggressive material removal. Conversely, higher traverse speeds reduce groove depth, emphasizing the need for slower speeds for deeper penetration. Increased abrasive mass flow rates also significantly improve groove depth but pose challenges related to material wear and cost. Surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that higher jet pressures and lower traverse speeds produce smoother surfaces and more distinct grooves. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing AWJ parameters to achieve efficient material removal and desired groove geometries. This research provides valuable insights for improving AWJ machining of tungsten alloys in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic literature survey on diagnostic methods used for railway materials and systems. The authors analyze various railway accident reports, focusing on the types of failures described and their causes. Previous review papers have addressed various aspects of railway systems diagnostics; however, most of the existing research focuses on specific parts of the rail vehicle or subsystems. In contrast, this survey focuses on railway diagnostic systems rather than general diagnostic methods used in mechanical and electrical engineering. The authors classify the types of failures and diagnostic methods that are used in rail transport into two categories: infrastructure and rolling stock. The purpose of this paper is to systematize the types of failure that occur in railway transport systems; identify the state-of-the-art means and methods of diagnostics in railway materials and systems, with particular focus on new research findings; and identify trends and possible research gaps in need of further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Components made of composite materials are being increasingly used in the construction of rolling stock. Currently, the use of components made of composite materials as train structural elements is increasingly being considered. Non-structural components made of composites are most often found inside rail vehicles (e.g., the interior lining), while structural components made of sandwich composite materials can be used for the roof, sidewalls, and underframe constructions. This article provides a description of an innovative sandwich composite developed for a metro's underframe, as well as the production process and preparation of the composite specimens. The main parts of the work are flammability and mechanical (static and fatigue) tests of the innovative sandwich composite. The scope of the flammability tests included the testing of the fire properties using the radial plate method, the optical density of smoke, and the content of toxic gases. The mechanical strength of the sandwich composite was examined during a flexural (three-point bending) test and a fatigue strength under a given dynamic load. The results presented in the article are very significant, both in terms of flammability and the mechanical strength tests. In order to produce large-size train components, appropriately large patches of component layers of the composite are required; this may pose production problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rolling Stock (1002-7602) is the property of Rolling Stock Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Like a well-designed procurement strategy, a well-designed rolling stock strategy promotes the development of a railroad company and contributes to its competitive advantage. Effective implementation of the rolling stock strategy enhances the likelihood of enjoying the benefits of the strategy's design. A successful implementation relies on the strategy being known, understood, controlled and communicated to the entire organization. Design/methodology/approach: The research consists of an extensive literature review as well as a series of workshops with rolling stock suppliers, railway authorities and representatives and rail users. Findings: This paper presents a collection of solutions for passenger rail rolling stock procurement. The authors offer guidance to the strategic procurement of rolling stock in the European Union (EU) and propose key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of a rolling stock strategy. Research limitations/implications: While this study presents a thorough evaluation of rolling stock procurement practices, it is limited by its geographic isolation. Future studies should compare the procurement practices discussed here to others in the EU, as well as in North America, South America and Asia. Additionally, this study focused on the passenger rail segment. Passenger transport is an important function of the rail network in the EU, but future research should expand the assessment of rolling stock procurement strategies to freight rail as well. Originality/value: Overall, this work provides visibility into common rolling stock procurement practices in complex EU railway markets. This work expands the literature through a review of these practices and through enabling research into best practices or a commonly accepted procurement model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure the operational safety of the automatic couplers of a rolling stock subjected to cyclic loading, reliability and residual service life must be determined. This paper involved the prediction of the durability of the automatic coupler SA3 by analytical summation of cyclic damage. During the investigation, the cyclic characteristics and damage modes of the automatic coupler material that influence the accumulation of damage are determined. The stress and strain state assessment model was developed using a 3D finite element method for the automatic coupler housing as a geometrically complex component. A methodology was used to assess damage per load cycle that is applicable to any sequence of automatic coupler load cycles. For this purpose, the authors used low-cycle stationary load dependencies that account for quasi-static and low-cycle fatigue damage. The investigation showed that a coupler may develop a crack due to accumulated quasi-static and fatigue damage. For damage summation, the dependences of low-cycle stationary stress-controlled load accounting for low-cycle, quasi-static fatigue damage are proposed in view of the variation of the load on the automatic coupler during operation depending on the weight of the rolling stock, velocity, and railway relief. The proposed methodology is applicable to the calculation of other housings under similar loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridized vehicular power supply (HVPS) are acquiring widespread adoption in various applications such as providing power for passenger or heavy‐duty electric vehicles, more‐electric ships, electrified rolling stocks, and more. Stability analysis is a critical issue for HVPS, but it presents significant challenges due to their prominent high‐dimensional and nonlinear characteristics. This paper presents a large‐signal stability analysis scheme for HVPS of rolling stocks, enabling the assessment of system stability under sudden load changes. Based on the state‐space averaging method, a mathematical model for the large‐signal behavior of the system is established. Subsequently, the small‐signal stability parameter range of the system is determined by analyzing the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix. To further analyze the stability of the system during large‐signal disturbances, a nonlinear decoupling transformation approach is employed to decompose the original high‐order state equations into multiple lower‐order equations. For the decoupled lower‐order subsystems, their stability is analyzed using phase portrait, and the region of attraction (ROA) is determined using the inverse trajectory method. Based on the stability analysis results, the controller is enhanced to bring the points outside the ROA back within it, thereby mitigating the transient instability phenomenon of the system. The effectiveness of the proposed method was demonstrated using two case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traction drives with vector control are widely used on mainline locomotives with induction motors. Traction motors can fail due to malfunctions that occur during the operation of locomotives. Real-time functional diagnostic systems are necessary to prevent the failure of traction motors. The implementation of such systems will allow to detect the occurrence of malfunctions in the traction motor at the initial stage and prevent the further development of the defect. In the work, a structural diagram of functional diagnostics for monitoring the condition of the rotor of an induction motor is proposed and an algorithm for its operation is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of research is a pneumatic spring of high-speed rolling stock of the railway. The method of experimental static testing of a pneumatic spring of high-speed rolling stock is presented. Based on experimental tests, the "force-strain" dependences of a pneumatic spring are obtained when the pressure gauge in the pneumatic spring changes from 2.5 atm up to 5.0 atm. Using a thermodynamic model, a quadratic equation is found to determine the effective area of a pneumatic spring. It is established that when the pressure gauge in the pneumatic spring changes from 2.5 atm up to 5.0 atm the effective area of the pneumatic spring varies from 0.231 m2 to 0.306 m2. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that for the first time, on the basis of static experiments, the change in the effective area of the pneumatic spring of high-speed rolling stock depending on the value of the gauge pressure in the spring was established. This will make it possible to determine the forces acting on the pneumatic spring in different operating conditions, ensuring the required level of safety of rolling stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Smart Rail Transit is the property of Smart Rail Transit Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose. To justify the need to apply the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” as a measure to improve the risk management methodology, to prevent (counteract) existing and emerging risks (threats) to the security of complex systems. Methodology. The well-known methodological principle called “Ockam’s Razor” was used. In the course of the research, a complex method was used, which included formal and logical analysis of normative and scientific and technical literature, analysis of statistical data, synthesis, abstraction, experiment, observation, generalization of data, description. Findings. In the course of the research, one of the threats (danger, risk) was identified, which simultaneously affects the existence of such a system due to traffic safety of rolling stock of rail transport enterprises, and the full implementation of the system’s capabilities due to axle loads, mass and speed movement of rolling stock, level of operating costs, passenger flow, regularity of transportation, etc. Experimental application of the lubricant “Mariol NT” in SPP 12-5, GS-3 lubrication systems showed a decrease in wear intensity by 240 %. Due to the use of a new lubricating material applied to the friction surface of wheel rims as part of the paint coating, the wear intensity of flanges of twin-wheel rims is reduced by 2.2 times, and that of locomotives by 2.4 times. Originality. It was determined that the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” as a measure of improvement of the risk management methodology, prevention (counteraction) of existing and prospective risks (threats, dangers) during the safety assessment of complex systems is currently not applied, but its consideration helps to prevent (countermeasures) to existing and emerging risks (threats) to the safety of complex systems. Practical value. The use of the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” allows for the theoretical and experimental determination of the numerical value of the ratio between the probability of an event occurring, caused by the action of an identified threat that negatively affects the state (level) of safety and operability of system elements at all stages of its existence, and the probability of a positively compensatory effect of the developed countermeasure to the identified threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To analyze the energy saving reserves under the conditions of implementation and integration of the system in order to find rational driving modes in the general system of managing underground electrified transport. Methodology. The work presents the method for processing data arrays obtained experimentally with the help of a measuring system and theoretically with the use of the “Rational Trajectory” software. Findings. Experimental studies were carried out using a testing system created on the basis of a refurbished train with energy recovery system. Theoretical studies were carried out using the “Rational Trajectory” software, which is based on the principle of solving a multi-criteria problem by the method of the main criterion. The minimum amount of electricity consumption from the overhead contact line was chosen as the main criterion. The software was developed in the LabVIEW graphical programming environment in order to determine the rational modes of driving rolling stock and energy indicators in a given area of its operation. The amount of electricity consumed for traction and the amount of electricity generated by the train during regenerative braking were determined based on the results of experimental and theoretical studies, respectively, under typical and rational modes of driving the train for given identical operating conditions. Originality. Further research on the analysis of energy saving reserves on the rolling stock of underground electrified transport was achieved due to the introduction of a system for finding a rational driving mode. Practical value. It has been established that the implementation and incorporation of the “Rational Trajectory” software into the train control system will save up to 14.7 % of the amount of electricity consumed for traction, compared to typical modes operation on a given track section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is aiming to "realize driverless train operation" as one of the key measures to respond to rapid changes in the business environment. Currently, Automatic Train Operation (ATO) equipment is not installed on the Shinkansen, but there are plans to introduce ATO or driverless operation in the near future. From 2018-2021, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) held the "ATO Technology Study Group for Railways" in which the concept of technical requirements necessary for driverless operation was discussed. In 2021, JR East conducted the GOA4 demonstration test on the Joetsu Shinkansen. In this test, we were able to confirm the basic functions of Shinkansen vehicles such as automatic departure control, speed control, fixed position stop control, and remote stop control using ATO. We aim to realize unattended operation (GOA4) for deadhead trains between Niigata Station and the Niigata Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center by the end of the 2020 s, and driverless operation (GOA3) for passenger trains of the Joetsu Shinkansen by the mid-2030s and continue to develop the necessary technologies and build systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Train Rolling-Stock Examination (TRSE) is a safety examination process that physically examines the bogie parts of a moving train, typically at speeds over 30 km/h. Currently, this inspection process is done manually by railway personnel in many countries to ensure safety and prevent interruptions to rail services. Although many earlier attempts have been made to semi-automate this process through computer-vision models, these models are iterative and still require manual intervention. Consequently, these attempts were unsuitable for real-time implementations. In this work, we propose a detection model by utilizing a deep-learning based classifier that can precisely identify bogie parts in real-time without manual intervention, allowing an increase in the deployability of these inspection systems. We implemented the Anchor-Free Yolov8 (AFYv8) model, which has a decoupled-head module for recognizing bogie parts. Additionally, we incorporated bogie parts tracking with the AFYv8 model to gather information about any missing parts. To test the effectiveness of the AFYv8-model, the bogie videos were captured at three different timestamps and the result shows the increase in the recognition accuracy of TRSE by 10 % compared to the previously developed classifiers. This research has the potential to enhance railway safety and minimize operational interruptions.

The presented research paper with a scientific bias is devoted to the analysis of the application of the system of code-location positioning of rolling stock on the stretch of the Eastern direction of the West Siberian Railway. The article describes the subject and object of research, includes the sequence of individual stages of research with justification and data processing. The publication is conditionally divided into 2 parts, the first is devoted to the methodology of research, the description of the research process, input data and a structural description of individual elements of the interval control system. The mathematical apparatus includes statistical methods for processing data adjusted for the current conditions of the experiment. The determination of throughput and processing capacity was carried out using a foreign method and the author's methodology for evaluating the efficiency of the distillation. The conclusion of the first section of the article indicates the need to use the presented mathematical apparatus. The second part of this publication contains the results of research with conclusions. The uniqueness of the experiment consists in dividing the research part into several separate stages and conducting them for several months on the current stretch of the main line. The first stage of research is devoted to the accuracy of determining the location of rolling stock using a code-location positioning system. The second stage contains an assessment of changes in throughput and carrying capacity on a separate loaded stretch of the Eastern direction of the West Siberian Railway. The final stage of the experiment contains an assessment of the study of the response rate of the proposed motion control system. The results of the research and the summary of the entire work are located in the final part of the publication, which includes analysis and analysis of the experiment. The final section describes recommendations for improving operating conditions using the data obtained and the author's assessment of the effectiveness of the rolling stock code-location positioning system on a separate stretch of the main line section of the Eastern direction of the West Siberian Railway.

Introduction. The paper considers equipping rolling stock with new lightweight wheel stops of increased reliability, as well as the use of the drag shoes on space intervals, including abnormal situations.Materials and methods. The authors performed field tests to compare the performance of lightweight wheel stops TM 37.10.2016 and hump drag shoes 8739.00. The paper determined the tractive force for moving a empty car train and loaded car train equipped with drag shoes.Results. The paper analyses the securing of railway rolling stock with wheel stops on space intervals with different gradients and different weights of trailing rolling stock. The paper describes the developed methodology of emergency withdrawal of a multiple unit rolling stock with a wedged wheel pair using wheel stops and determines the ultimate sliding distance of the wedged wheel pair compared to the hump drag shoes. The paper established that withdrawing the electric rolling stock from the space interval with the wedged wheel pair requires 4 times more wheel stops than the hump drag shoes.Discussion and conclusion. The authors shown that traction rolling stock permits the practical replacement of hump drag shoes 8739.00 currently in use with wheel stops TM 37.10.2016. The braking characteristics of wheel stops and hump drag shoes only differ during the short initial period of paint abrasion on the rubbing surface of the wheel stop skids. Since the drag shoes for rolling stock are intended for emergency, their rubbing surface must not be painted.

Introduction. The research focuses on the current state and prospects of development of the systems of energyoptimal train driven by freight main line DC electric locomotives 2ES6. An analysis of current trends in energy saving and increasing the efficiency of traction energy resources in railway transport and their impact on haulage of trains shows that train guidance based on machine learning and artificial intelligence remains poorly researched. The study is primarily intended to determine the actual use of automation of goods train driving in the sections of the Ural-Siberian railway proving ground and its impact on the energy-optimal schedule of completed train operations.Materials and methods. The problem solving involved the basic provisions of the theory of haulage of trains, concepts of the theory of automated control and diagnostics of electric rolling stock, as well as statistical methods of data processing.Results. The authors hypothesise that a smart adaptive rolling stock control support system with machine learning and AI would reduce the specific power consumption of locomotives. The researchers show that the most feasible way to build real-time dynamic models of energy-optimal locomotive motion for such smart system is to use data from the automated workstation of a freight locomotives motion recorder and auto-drive, as this is the data that contains accurate geographic coordinates to synchronise measurements on trips in a particular section.Discussion and conclusion. A tunable artificial recurrent neural network on long short-term memory in new or existing improved methods for energy-efficient train rolling stock control would improve the motion recorders used on locomotives. The developed algorithm may form the basis of a fundamentally new smart adaptive rolling stock control support system with machine learning and AI. Further research would be focused on the development of technology for building dynamic models of energy-optimal real-time locomotive movement with train.

The paper considers the prospects for creating autonomous hybrid power plants using renewable energy sources and hydrogen as energy storage systems, as well as storage batteries, for the railway power supply system. A comparative analysis of various energy storage systems is carried out. A simulation model has been created that takes into account the characteristics of electric rolling stock trains, a model of the contact network of the inter-station zone of the railway stage, and a model of the energy storage system. Managing the flow of electricity in an autonomous hybrid power plant requires considering forecasts of electricity consumption and generation and the level of charge of the energy storage device. To solve the problem of synthesizing a control algorithm, the use of matrix Q-learning is proposed. The novelty of the study lies in the proposed approach of applying Q-learning to the problem under consideration based on discretization of input and output parameters of the model and verification of the approach on a simulation model built for a real railway section between the Yaya and Izhmorskaya stations (Kemerovo region of the Russian Federation). It is shown that the use of the proposed system makes it possible to equalize the voltage in the network between traction substations and provide a significant increase in the capacity of the railway section, and the proposed method of matrix Q-learning makes it possible to synthesize an effective algorithm for controlling the energy storage system as part of an autonomous hybrid power plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The paper aims to investigate the increase of fuel efficiency of a mainline freight locomotive in the case of separate loading of diesel generators of its individual sections. Methodology. The study was carried out for the non-electrified section between Kharkiv-Sorting and Sumy stations during the movement of a freight train with 45 loaded and empty freight cars in both directions. The movement of a train with a freight mainline two-section diesel locomotive 2TE116 was taken. To determine the parameters of the movement, a mathematical model was developed, which was used to solve a series of traction problems. The traction problems are calculated for the cases of train movement with a series diesel locomotive and a diesel locomotive with separate loading of diesel generators of its individual sections. A method of loading sections is proposed for modeling and the traction characteristics of the locomotive are constructed in accordance with this method. Findings. It has been established that the use of separate loading of diesel generators of individual sections of a diesel locomotive when running a train with loaded cars reduces fuel consumption by 18.7...19.6 % compared to running a serial diesel locomotive. For the case of a train with empty cars, the reduction in fuel consumption is 8.1...10.3 % compared to a train with a serial diesel locomotive. It has been found that the movement of a train with empty cars can be carried out with traction by one section of a diesel locomotive. In this case, the reduction in fuel consumption is 29.5...31.0 %. In all the studied cases, the duration of the movement is practically the same. Originality. The authors of this paper have solved traction problems for a real track section when a train with a freight diesel locomotive is moving, where separate loading of diesel generators of its sections is used. A method for forming the traction characteristics of a locomotive with separate loading of diesel generators is proposed. Practical value. The developed mathematical models of train movement, including for the case of separate loading of diesel generators of diesel locomotive sections, can be used in the modernization of diesel locomotives or the creation of diesel rolling stock using a multi-diesel power plant.

The relevance of this study lies in the fact that motor transport services of federal ministries and departments of the Russian Federation, agencies subordinate to them, law enforcement and supervisory authorities are carried out by departmental road transport. The operation of departmental road transport in modern conditions is based on documents developed for public road transport. In some cases, departmental acts on the organization of the work of vehicles and personnel in relation to the functions and tasks of the relevant department are not systematically used. The operation of departmental road transport is characterized by excessive dispersion of regional production and technical bases for the maintenance, maintenance and repair of a specialized fleet, as a rule, assigned to individual institutions. As a result, more material and technical resources, rolling stock and personnel are involved in the transportation process of departmental road transport than at public road transport. Increasing the efficiency of departmental road transport consists in the consolidation and centralization of regional production and technical bases, as well as in rationing the resource provision of the transport process. The subject of the study is the regularities of the functioning of the production and technical bases units of the departmental structure. The purpose of this study is to increase the efficiency of departmental road transport operation due to the territorial integration of production and technical bases. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve a number of tasks, the specifics of which are determined by the features of a specialized departmental road transport on the example of the divisions of the regional Department of the Federal Penitentiary Service for the Rostov region, concluded: a) in the collection, grouping and processing of statistical information from divisions by type, model, number and costs of operation and performance of transportation in the field of transport by specialized rolling stock; b) determination by geographical coordinates of the location of divisions in the region; c) the compilation of an adjacent matrix of distances between divisions. The methodology of the study includes a methodology for the territorial integration of production and technical bases of regional units of departmental road transport based on the «center of gravity» method, taking into account the costs of operating a specialized fleet and determining the head production and technical bases. The obtained research results can be used for other departments, divisions, organizations and services of departmental structures in which a specialized fleet is involved.

This paper analyzes the current situation of interval train control systems (railway interlocking) on the railway network of Kazakhstan, geared towards enhancing the effectiveness of railway transportation, the objective is to augment the capacity of rail lines, diminish operational expenses, minimize energy consumption, and mitigate wear on both tracks and rolling stock. To evaluate the data transmission channel of the TETRA standard, a test model with a long ping and a load test has been developed, and a two–stage test methodology has been proposed for the Zhetygen – Altynkol section. According to the results of the conducted experiments, it is proved that if the connection is lost for more than 60 seconds, the train automatically stops with an emergency braking command and, subject to the restoration of data transmission between the OBU (onboard unit) and the modem, the radio-blocking system works normally for cases with loss of communication and the board permits to move. For evaluating the influence of deploying radio communication on radio-blocking and signal strength, the Hata model within the COST231 framework was chosen. This model incorporates diverse factors contingent upon the environment, such as urban or suburban settings. The model of path loss «Loss of suburban macro-path» was chosen as a model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the existing technologies and challenges associated with galvanized metal production at the Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) plant. Possible ways to improve the process using machine-learning tools are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating line impedance is relevant in transmission and distribution networks, in particular for planning and control. The large number of deployed PMUs has fostered the use of passive indirect methods based on network model identification. Electrified railways are a particular example of a distribution network, with moving highly dynamic loads, that would benefit from line impedance information for energy efficiency and optimization purposes, but for which many of the methods used in industrial applications cannot be directly applied. The estimate is carried out onboard using a passive method in a single-point perspective, suitable for implementation with energy metering onboard equipment. A comparison of two methods is carried out based on the non-linear least mean squares (LMS) optimization of an over-determined system of equations and on the auto- and cross-spectra of the pantograph voltage and current. The methods are checked preliminarily with a simulated synthetic network, showing good accuracy, within 5%. They are then applied to measured data over a 20 min run over the Swiss  16.7  Hz railway network. Both methods are suitable to track network impedance in real time during the train journey; but with suitable checks on the significance of the pantograph current and on the values of the coefficient of determination, the LMS method seems more reliable with predictable behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rolling Stock (1002-7602) is the property of Rolling Stock Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Adequate vertical track support is essential for safe and efficient railway operations. Insufficient support leads to distorted track geometry, increased dynamic loads, component stress, poor ride quality, rolling stock damage, and derailment risks. Current inspection practices focus on assessing the condition of the track components and geometry, rather than the root causes of degradation. To improve this condition, this study presents the use of a methodology that utilizes an autonomous vertical track deflection measurement system mounted on a loaded rail car (36 tonnes/axle) to support track maintenance decisions in a heavy haul railroad located in southeast Brazil. The system continuously measured substructure stiffness along the railway line. Over one year, data were collected from over 8000 km of track. The study highlighted seasonal effects on track degradation over time, identifying areas with significant deflections and high deflection rates, which contribute to issues such as differential settlement and reduced lifespan of track components. Additionally, the study revealed seasonal effects, with deflections peaking during wet weather and decreasing during dry cycles. A method to classify weak track areas was developed, facilitating monitoring and enabling more effective maintenance planning, contributing to the reduction of overall track maintenance costs and enhancing safety and operational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The railway system is a complex technical system-of-systems (SoS). To address the complexity of the railway system, a holistic approach is needed that facilitates the development of an appropriate asset management regime. A systems-of-systems (SoS) approach considers the complex nature of the railway system, comprising interconnected subsystems like rolling stock and infrastructure. Neglecting these interdependencies risks sub-optimization of the overall system performance. Asset management of the railway system utilising a SoS approach ensures the focus of asset management on overall system requirements. The efficiency and effectiveness of the railway system is based on aspects such as availability, reliability, and safety performance. To enhance these aspects, monitoring, and improvement of key performance indicators (KPIs) emphasizing increased capacity and reduced operational costs is essential. The KPIs offer quantifiable parameters for performance optimization. Augmenting asset management through data-driven technologies can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of asset management. However, challenges persist in the implementation of data-driven solutions due to the railway system's complexity and lack of a holistic perspective. A systematic performance-driven framework with a system-of-systems approach for augmented asset management of railway system provides handrail for the utilisation of data-driven technologies with railway system requirements at the centre while developing an asset management regime. The proposed framework aims to establish a clear relationship between system KPIs, and the performance of sub-systems and components aiding railway organizations in asset management design and implementation. This paper explains the important components of the proposed framework and demonstrates the application the framework for asset management and maintenance planning of high value components in the fleet of railway rolling stock. Adoption of the proposed framework is expected to enhance asset management through development and implementation of data-driven solutions that are aligned with system KPIs, to support asset management decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a deep learning approach for predicting rail corrugation based on on-board rolling-stock vertical acceleration and forward velocity measurements using One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN-1D). The model's performance is examined in a 1:10 scale railway system at two different forward velocities. During both the training and test stages, the CNN-1D produced results with mean absolute percentage errors of less than 5% for both forward velocities, confirming its ability to reproduce the corrugation profile based on real-time acceleration and forward velocity measurements. Moreover, by using a Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) technique, it is shown that the CNN-1D can distinguish various regions, including the transition from damaged to undamaged regions and one-sided or two-sided corrugated regions, while predicting corrugation. In summary, the results of this study reveal the potential of data-driven techniques such as CNN-1D in predicting rails' corrugation using online data from the dynamics of the rolling-stock, which can lead to more reliable and efficient maintenance and repair of railways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demonstration of compliance of rolling stock against disturbance limits for railway signaling, and in particular track circuits, is subject to a large deal of variability, caused by the diverse values of the electrical parameters of the railway line and resulting transfer functions, as well as the operating conditions of the rolling stock during tests. Instrumental uncertainty is evaluated with a type B approach and shown to be much less than the experimental variability. Repeated test runs in acceleration, coasting, cruising, and braking conditions are considered, deriving both max-hold (spread) and sample (or experimental) standard deviation curves compared to the respective mean values (type A approach to the evaluation of uncertainty, as defined in of the Guide to the Uncertainty in Measurement. The major source of variability affecting a significant portion of the spectrum is caused by the superposed oscillations of the onboard LC filter, for which different choices of the transformation window duration are discussed. The test runs and the acquired data covered, overall, 1 day of tests along about 300 km of the Italian 3 kV DC railway network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of different passenger rolling stock structures and train configurations on vibrations and noise generated during operation. Vibroacoustic measurements were performed during acceleration, constant speed, and braking phases to analyze the effects using statistical analysis according to the relevant standards, revealing a statistically significant relationship between the equivalent noise level and vibration dose. In the context of the expanding Warsaw metro network, which is adding new lines and modern rolling stock, trends in the development of metro rolling stock were analyzed using five different types of metro vehicles, from the oldest to the newest designs. Vehicle performance was ranked in the context of ride comfort using standards and combined vibration and noise measures. The research results allowed for a collective comparative assessment of the construction of individual types of passenger rolling stock in terms of vibroacoustic phenomena, thanks to which it is possible to assess the impact of modern solutions and the justification for investing in modern rolling stock. Newer trains generally record significantly lower vibration and noise levels. The difference between the oldest and the most modern vehicle types is 57% for the vibration acceleration level (0.08 ms−2 RMS) and 66% for the noise level (2.2 dB LAeq). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the optimization of parameters for a railroad transport system. The maximum level of technological reliability and the average time spent by trains on the route are used as optimization criteria. The purpose of the study is to establish the optimal parameters for the operational process of railroad transport systems according to the criterion of the maximum level of technological reliability and the minimum time of trains on the route. Methods of technological reliability research have been proposed. Taking into account that the entire technological process is a sequential set of technological elements, a simulation model of the technological process of the transit transport-technological line along a route direction has been built. A population of agents that simulates the operation of railroad sections of the rotation of train locomotives and is a key subsystem of the simulation model has been developed and configured. The simulation model makes it possible to optimize the parameters of multi-section railroad lines. This approach is provided owing to the agent approach. As a result of the experiments, the optimal parameters of the functioning of railroad lines were established when organizing the passage of transit trains. The coefficient of utilization of the locomotive fleet fluctuates within the optimal range (0.55–0.65), which indicates the sufficiency of traction resources in the railroad system. The optimal parameters of the railroad transport system were established experimentally using the example of a train flow of 85 pairs of trains on a two-track route with five sections. The problem of "abandoned trains" has a solution but, to this end, it is necessary to increase the fleet of train locomotives by 150–200 % relative to existing standards. At the same time, even with an unlimited fleet of train locomotives, there is a fairly high probability (up to 30–50 %) of technological failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rail rolling stock undercarriage condition monitoring is proposed by using an automated measuring system, located on the railway track and measuring the specified parameters of the wheels directly, while the train is moving. Regular undercarriage condition monitoring reduces the costs of preventive maintenance of rolling stock without compromising the traffic safety. An algorithm has been developed for the operation of a special software package for visualizing and assessing monitoring data on the condition of the undercarriage of rail rolling stock. The software package consists of separate software modules that can be used independently of each other. It is possible to make short- or long-term predictions of the behavior of any of the monitored parameters using an proposed automated measuring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]