Considering ways to rethink switch design to improve all aspects of network performance by drawing on technologies and concepts from other industries, particularly aerospace and nuclear.

Current rolling stock are fundamentally passive mechancial engineering led designs. Although locally optimised they have limitations in terms of their adaptability to different parts of their network and damage to infrastructure. The Control Systems Group has innovated a number of novel mechatronic solutions to improve performance, adaptability and reduce track damage.

We have also done extensive work on digital twins and the use of simulation and hardware in the loop rigs for certification and quality assurance.

Maximising the financial payback of rolling stock relies upon reducing the time of maintenance. The Control Systems Group are developing algorithms and methodologies to give operators key information to change functional and maintenance cultures.

Passenger safety at train stations and on-board trains (e.g., slip, trips and falls; crowding),
Prevention of trespass on the railway amongst high risk groups (e.g., teenagers).
Systems analysis and modelling techniques (e.g., the STAMP methodology) to understand the role played by social (human) and technical factors in accidents involving trains (e.g., SPADs, derailments).
Forecasting system ‘breakdown’ and anticipate failure modes.

Using creative methods to identify passenger needs. Using digital technologies and services to enhance the passenger experience. Understanding the privacy/security issues related to the use of personal data (e.g. passenger profiles). Real-world and simulated evaluation of digital products/services using scenario-based methods. Abilty to develop psychometric models which evaluate passenger perceptions of service quality and how this affects satisfaction with service and behavioural intentions (e.g. retention)

Improved methods for modelling, analysing, designing and monitoring structural and geotechnical systems using computational and experimental approaches

Vehicle-level modelling of energy management
Emissions modelling and minimisation
Contol of vehicles to reduce energy management and minimisation
Battery management and lifetime maximisation
Assessment of optimal electrification and effects on carbon dioxide emissions

We have the UKCRIC National Facility for Infrastructure Construction which is fully equiped to support the development of automated methods for delivery and maintenance of infrastructure, with a particular focus on increased efficiency and innovative solutions and materials that contribute to the UK’s Net Zero and circular economy aspirations. The facility and expertise of our team currently support NR to develop innovative repair approaches, lab demonstrators and upscaling to be trialed on site. We have previous and ongoing research on green cementitious materials and a long track-record of developing and taking solutions to practice, including a network of third parties that can deploy them at large-scale.

Expertise in Sleep and Safety Science. Qualitative investigations into driver and track worker fatigue management. Understanding shift work immolations for alertness at work. Quantitative sleep and alertness monitoring techniques.

Use of sensors to measure passenger footfall on trains/in stations and develop statistical models to predict demand into the future