TESTING AND TRIALLING FACILITIES

University of Huddersfield

University of Huddersfield – Institute of Railway Research

RTS PRIORITY AREAS

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.

Capability – Systems

ADAMS/Rail; Simpack; Vampire; MATLAB; Simulink; dSpace; RSGeo (Wheel-rail contact mechanics software); in-house data logging facility; Miniprof wheel/rail profile measurement devices; track geometry measurement trolley; dynamic and static track gauge measurement facilities; scanning electron microscope; small / medium sized components up to 500 kN load; Hydraulic actuators up to 40 kN force; 1/5th scale rolling railway test rig; Twin disk test rig; Construction of dedicated test rigs (small / medium size)

Capability – Testing

Vehicle dynamics modelling; wheel-rail interface engineering; derailment safety; ride acceptance; wear and rolling contact fatigue; S&C interactions; ballast settlement; materials testing; fatigue testing; hardware-in-the-loop testing; noise; structural testing

Location key contacts

Name: Simon Iwnicki
Email: s.iwnicki@hud.ac.uk

Website

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ACADEMIC CAPABILITES

Capabilities