Rail-Wheel Interface research has developed from the Tribology centre of expertise at Sheffield. We conduct World leading research on friction through the EPSRC Programme Grant “Friction: The Tribology Enigma” and a strong part of this is centred around wheel/rail interface friction management. We have a strategic partnership with RSSB and RAEng on wheel/rail interface low adhesion management through Prof Lewis’ Research Chair. Areas of activity include analysis of fundamental aspects of friction, in particular low adhesion mechanisms relating to “wet-rail” and leaf layers. We study friction modifiers, lubricants and traction enhancers such as sand and traction gels. Work is carried out the assess their application, pick-up and carry-down. We also develop friction models and adhesion forecasting tools.

Rail-Wheel Interface research has developed from the Tribology centre of expertise at Sheffield. We conduct World leading research, across multiple contracts with RSSB, Network Rail, London Underground, plus others. Areas of activity include experimental analysis of damage mechanisms; analysis of the role of microstructure; wear prediction, rolling contact fatigue modelling; innovative methods for reducing wear and damage such as additive manufacture (e.g. laser cladding). We are also involved in incident investigation.

Our modelling capability for overhead line dynamics developed with Network Rail has been extended in work with Furrer+Frey focusing particularly on non-standard geometry for retro-fit of electrification to existing infrastructure. understandibg of overhead line fatigue and wear performance (neutral sections, contact wires) has been developed through laboratory testing on fatigue particularly for arc exposed materials. Current work focuses on low cost electrification options.

Resarch on network optimisation for traffic management (multi-train trajectory optimisations) has been extended from the pespectives of passener experience and network energy implications of particular service patterns. Deployment of lineside energy storage in the rail network is the focus of a major EPSRC project developing storage technology, plus the control algorithms to integrate this into road and rail traffic management systems.

Stations are often a target of terrorist activity. Through UK and EU funded programmes we have developed guidelines and training used by the Association of Chief Police Officers, the British Transport Police and Architectural Liaison Officers, on how to design resilience to attack into stations while remaining open and welcoming to travellers. A linked programme has developed mitigation technologies for blast containment for improvised explosive devices in the urban environment, considering the station situation in particular. Most recent work is in production of 3D visualisations to enable better understanding of how to deploy protective materials and technologies.

Research is being undertaken using agent-based modelling of passengers in stations and trains. This is being conducted using massively parallel Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) simulations for parameter exploration and sensitivity analysis. Validation is through comparrison with CCTV footage collected from around the network (Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham New Street, London Bridge and others). Initially this work focused on behaviour at the platform-train interface (PTI) but this has been extended during the pandemic to consider boarding and alighting while social distancing is in place. Outputs are supporting understanding of dwell times and time-proximity calcultions for passengers in a range of situations.

We have developed a new longitudinal stress measurement tool based on ultrasound which has been taken from the lab to the field through projects with Network Rail and FRA in the US.

We have developed a new high speed rail grinding technique through a series of projects with Network Rail. Through UNRRIN investment we have also developed anew grinding test platform for assessing grinding parameters for conventional grinding approaches in collaboration with British Steel.

We have developed a unique rail head cleaning technology for application via road-to-rail vehicles ad rail head treatment trains. This has been taken from the lab through funding with RSSB to filed application with Network Rail, Northern Trains and Tyne and Wear Metro operators, NEXUS.