Numerical simulations of train–track deterioration as a basis for RAMS and LCC analyses (CHARMEC TS18)
Research Project, 2014 – 2021

The project should develop methods that can provide high-quality deterioration estimates as input to RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety) and LCC (Life Cycle Cost) analyses of railway components. RAMS and LCC are general frameworks that are highly sensitive to the quality of input parameters. The ultimate goal is thus to enhance predictive capabilities of these methods when applied to railway operations. Such enhanced predictive capabilities in a railway setting could potentially lead to significant cost reductions for railway operations due to improvements in investment and maintenance strategies. To this end, the project aims to develop methods for robust estimates of degradation rates for chosen components in the railway system as functions of given traffic scenarios. The methods will be based on numerical simulations of train–track interaction that can account for the scatter in traffic parameters typically observed in railway operations. Examples of traffic parameters that can vary are vehicle type, train speed, wheel and rail profiles etc. Identified sub-tasks include the characterization of traffic scenarios using statistical methods and the creation of load collectives which are representative for the traffic scenario at hand. In order to make the methods computationally efficient, identification of the most influential parameters with regard to degradation is also of interest. The uncertainty in deterioration rates due to uncertainties in input parameters will be considered.

Participants

Björn Pålsson (contact)

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Dynamics

Collaborations

Abetong AB

Växjö, Sweden

Atkins Sverige AB

Göteborg, Sweden

Bombardier Transportation GmbH

Siegen, Germany

Faiveley Transport Nordic AB

Landskrona, Sweden

Green Cargo AB

Solna, Sweden

Lucchini Sweden AB

Surahammar, Sweden

SJ AB

Stockholm, Sweden

Swedish Transport Administration

Borlänge, Sweden

SweMaint AB

Göteborg, Sweden

voestalpine Schienen GmbH

Leoben, Austria

voestalpine VAE GmbH

Zeltweg, Austria

Funding

Chalmers Railway Mechanics (CHARMEC)

Funding Chalmers participation during 2014–2021

Related Areas of Advance and Infrastructure

Sustainable development

Driving Forces

Transport

Areas of Advance

More information

Project Web Page

www.chalmers.se/charmec

Latest update

2020-03-04