Capability Statement

The Institute of Railway Research at the University of Huddersfield has a strong reputation for excellent research and support to industry in various closely connected topics related to vehicle track interaction and wheel-rail contact. The core activities of the IRR are coordinated within distinct research and enterprise themes. The current expertise of the Institute can be summarised by the follow key themes: Wheel-rail Interaction: Wheel-rail wear and rolling contact fatigue modelling. Maximising asset life through an optimised interface, supporting heavy rail, light rail and metro systems. Railway Vehicle Dynamics: Vehicle dynamic modelling. Freight vehicle acceptance predictions, derailment analysis and performance optimisation for heavy rail, light rail and metro vehicles. Track System Dynamics: Numerical modelling of trackforms and vehicle interaction. Predictions of force distribution, track and fixing response and structural resistance. Trackform design and failure mode investigations. Instrumentation and Condition Monitoring: Vehicle and track mounted measurement systems, condition monitoring and asset life optimisation.