Research & Consultancy at the RTU
The Rail Technology Unit carries out research and consultancy into the dynamic behaviour of railway vehicles and their interaction with the track.
We use state of the art simulation tools to model the contact between the wheels and the rails for conventional and novel vehicles and predict track damage, passenger comfort and derailment. Our simulation models are backed up by validation measurements on vehicles and supported by tests on individual components in our laboratory.
We are developing methods to investigate the detailed interactions in the contact patch between a wheel and the rail and to predict the growth of roughness and rolling contact fatigue. Current research projects include the development of a more representative track model that includes rail flexibility and changing support conditions.
Our work is often in partnership with industry and other Universities and recent joint projects include:
- Development of a simple system for measuring track geometry from a railway vehicle;
- Comparison of Rolling Contact Fatigue caused by new and old rolling stock;
- Simulation of the behaviour of railway vehicles on different designs of switch;
- The development of a new wheel profile that will reduce the rate at which rolling contact fatigue is generated;
- Prediction of roughness growth on the rail head and rolling noise and squeal noise;
- Using neural networks to predict the forces at the wheel-rail interface;
- Modelling high speed freight vehicles;
- Development of a 'Virtual Test Track' for use in vehicle design and optimisation.
Prof Simon Iwnicki
RTU Manager