Agenda item
MEETING:
Technical Strategy Leadership Group (TSLG)
DATE:
17 September 2015
SUBJECT:
V/T SIC Annual Report
AUTHOR:
Andy Doherty
1.
Purpose of the paper
1.1
This paper presents a summary of the activities of the Vehicle/Track Systems
Interface Committee (V/T SIC) and its sub-groups in 2014 through to Q3 2015 as
well as the planned activities for the remainder of 2015 and for early 2016.
2.
Issue
2.1
This paper forms the seventh annual report to be presented to TSLG from the
Chair of the Vehicle/Track SIC.
3.
Recommendations
3.1
TSLG is invited to note the progress being made by the V/T SIC and its sub-groups.
In particular, TSLG is invited to note:
The effort and hard work provided by experts and the support from their
employing organisations from across the industry which continues to make
the V/T SIC an effective and powerful supporter of the GB railway.
3.2
The V/T SIC continues to provide technical solutions and verified advice to
industry to deliver economic benefit to its members
4.
Headline Activity
4.1
V/T SIC has been reviewing the content of the Infrastructure Portfolio of the RTS.
This work involves reviewing the current work being undertaken by the SIC and its
sub-groups and looking at how it aligns with the goals of the RTS and taking a
strategic view on how to achieve the RTS vision. The intention is to see where the
SIC can influence and assist work to make sure it is done in a consistent manner
(no duplication or incompatible timescales) and identifying what work needs to be
done and who is doing it.
4.2
V/T SIC continues to be strongly supported by experts from across the industry,
who freely provide their time and expertise.
4.3
A number of quality learned technical papers has been produced by members of
the V/T SIC community.
TSLG 17 September 2015 – V/T SIC Annual Report
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4.4
V/T SIC continues to support the development of technology and modelling to
support variable track access charging.
4.5
Following the successful Wheelset Management Conference ran by I Mech E in
April 2014, V/T SIC members are working towards the next conference planned
for 2016.
5.
PPG Research
5.1
During the last year the work of PPG has continued to cover a number of areas. In
particular:
5.2
The Track-Ex software tool, developed by PPG for analysing and predicting track
damage, has continued to play an important part in the work of the group; both
as a tool under development by PPG and through training and support to users of
it both within, and outside, Network Rail. During the last year 10 2-day training
courses have been run for over 70 new users, of whom approximately 25 were
external to Network Rail. Candidates have included Network Rail graduate
trainees and a team of track designers from Amey. Track-Ex has also been used by
PPG to support a number of enhancement and renewal projects, helping to
identify optimum track design for the Waterloo station throat remodelling, the
remodelling of track layout at Carmuirs as part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow
Improvement Project, assessing the effect of the new Velaro EMU for Eurostar
services, and the new Tram-Train vehicles in South Yorkshire. The software itself
has been developed to improve the user interface and allow the analysis of data
from Network Rail’s eddy current measurement system and lubricator locations.
5.3
During the year a project was completed for the Wessex route, using Track-Ex to
analyse the RCF on the route. Although the HALL bushes which were retro-fitted
to the SWT Desiro fleet would significantly reduce the risk of RCF initiation it was
acknowledged that there would likely be a number of sites where RCF initiation
remained a risk, from these and other vehicles on the route. The analysis was
undertaken to identify those sites, compare the magnitude of the RCF initiation
rate with that before the Desiros were fitted with HALL bushes, and undertake
‘what-if’ simulations to identify mitigation measures to best control the RCF at
these sites (for example, track geometry improvements, use of premium grade
rails, and rail profile management). The output was a ‘map’ of the locations with
the recommended mitigations.
5.4
PPG have continued to support a number of vehicle owners and operators to
understand the benefits of fitting the variable stifness HALL bush, or using the
anti-RCF P12 wheel profile; and the number of fleets fitted with HALL bushes
continues to grow. An analysis was also undertaken on behalf of the ROSCOs for
all passenger vehicles to help identify those fleets which would benefit the most
from using the HALL bush.
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5.5
Equivalent conicity has also been the subject of much research. Although the
Infrastructure and Loc & Pas TSIs recognise equivalent conicity as an important
parameter describing the performance of the wheel/rail interface for optimised
wear and ride comfort, open points exist in both TSIs because in-service levels of
equivalent conicity are very difficult to measure. PPG had previously engaged the
Institute of Railway Research (University of Huddersfield) to develop a conicity
mapping tool, using measured rail profiles and track geometry to identify areas of
high conicity on a route, and this has now been delivered. In addition, research
has also been undertaken to develop a quick method of estimating equivalent
conicity, significantly cutting down the computational effort required and making
it possible to obtain a reliable indicator of the level of equivalent conicity directly
from track geometry recording car outputs. The method has given encouraging
results using data from sites where equivalent conicity has been a problem in the
past and it is intended that a wider trial of the method will take place soon. A
paper on this work has been submitted to the WCRR conference which will take
place in 2016.
5.6
A large piece of work was launched to better understand the behaviour of trackmounted lubricators and their effectiveness, particularly with regard to electric
lubricators. These tend to be installed on sections of straight track with the intent
of providing improved lubrication to more curves over longer sections of track.
Vehicle dynamics simulations have been used to understand the behaviour of
different vehicle types at a number of installations. The results showed clear
differences in performance, with some vehicles able to collect more lubricant
than others. These findings have been borne out with visits to a number of sites
to measure grease delivery and the shape of grease ‘bulbs’ developed on the
lubricator blades before they get picked up by different vehicles. This is an
ongoing piece of work which is yielding valuable information which will be used to
improve the effectiveness and reliability of track-based lubrication.
5.7
The analysis of the ‘thin flange wheel profiles’ produced by some CNC wheel
lathes, which commenced last year, has continued. Analysis of wheel profiles
showed that the option to turn ‘economic wheel profiles’ provided by some lathes
produced profiles that did not comply with Railway Group Standards and a series
of briefings were undertaken, and an NIR raised, to ensure that this option was
not used at the current time. Subsequently, the Institute of Railway Research have
been commissioned to undertake studies to predict the wear characteristics of
some of these profiles to understand whether there may be a benefit to properly
defining ‘thin flange’ wheel profiles and allowing their use on the GB network.
5.8
Other work undertaken by PPG during the year has included a detailed modelling
study of RCF on a switch and crossing at a busy junction to identify appropriate
mitigations; analysis of vehicle instability problems at a number of locations on
the Wessex route; and analysis of vehicle behaviour through a switch which was
resulting in flangeback contact with the switch rail. Papers have also been
submitted to the WRI conference in October 2015, and the WCRR and the
Railways 2016 conferences.
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6.
RSSB R&D Programme
6.1
2014/15 has seen the continued development of R&D projects supported by V/T
SIC and its subgroups: Adhesion Research Group (ARG); Wheelset Management
Group (WMG) and V/T Technical Advisory Group (V/T TAG).
T774 – Research investigating the value, reliability and effectiveness of axle
inspection techniques: the delivery of the human factors analysis of this project
has completed and the second stage of the project is looking at applying this
knowledge as part of a formalised engineering process. The project was relaunched in March 2015 and the scope for the remaining work of the project is
being reviewed to ensure that it is still relevant for industry needs.
T797 – Performance and installation criteria for sanding systems: the Adhesion
Research Group (ARG) will be submitting a proposal to revise the sanding
standard GM/RT2461 based on what has already been delivered in this project.
Lessons learnt will be applied in the future procurement and delivery of on-track
testing of sanders and other adhesion control equipment. Safety benefits will
include more predictable braking under low adhesion conditions. Performance
benefits will include reduced delay minutes associated with low adhesion
incidents and more efficient use of sand in sandboxes, which in turn will lead to
increased sandbox refilling intervals.
T923 – Axle-end equipment: service accelerations and resonance: there were a
number of difficulties with this project regarding technical issues with data
supplied by Network Rail. Network Rail have been working with the project team
to resolve the issues. It is currently planned for the research to be completed by
September 2015.
T1046 – Optimising the ability of industry to deal with low wheel/train adhesion
and the use of sanders on trains: Current constraints around the use of on-train
sanders are largely qualitative and derived from both historical precedent and the
ad-hoc mitigations put in place after specific operating incidents – these
constraints have then been embedded in Railway Group Standards, the Rule
Book, Sectional Appendices etc. The project aims to quantify and compare the
relative whole system safety risks posed by the use of on-train sanders in terms of
reduced SPADs and platform overshoots etc with potentially increased wrong side
track circuit failures using the industry accepted Safety Risk Model (SRM). Benefits
include the facility to be able to quantify and compare the potential network-wide
WSTCF safety risk increase against the potential SPAD/platform overshoot safety
risk decrease associated with future proposals for different sander configurations,
sand delivery mechanisms and to help prioritise and facilitate business cases for
their deployment and for identification and prioritising of relevant sections of line
equipped with legacy train detection systems. This project has delivered
significant results, which ARG have requested are disseminated more widely and
which RSSB are currently delivering through two industry briefing events.
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T1073 – Loading requirements for track systems: Mott McDonald have been
appointed to carry out this work and an initial workshop was held in March 2015.
A draft technical report is being drawn up by Mott MacDonald which is expected
in July 2015.
T1077 – Modelling and quantifying the influence of water on wheel/rail adhesion
levels: the project aims to develop and validate a model encapsulating
understanding about the root causes, relative importance and impact on adhesion
of all the various factors associated with various degrees, types and underlying
causes of wet rails. Benefits will include a validated wet rails adhesion model
which will allow proposed mitigations to be tested, ranked and subsequently
trialled with some degree of confidence. It will allow enhanced wet rails-related
adhesion prediction techniques to be adopted with greater confidence in their
accuracy, granularity, timeliness. The work is being carried out by Sheffield
University and partners. Stage 1 has already been delivered. Stage 2 is scheduled
to start shortly.
7.
V/T SIC Subgroups
7.1
V/T Technical Advisory Group
V/T SIC’s Technical Advisory Group (V/T TAG) has continued to meet in support of
the SIC itself. The group continues to provide specialist knowledge and experience
including; vehicle dynamics; vehicle track / interaction; infrastructure aspects;
research, analysis, evaluation and application; standards and European influences.
This year the group has received technical presentations on several research
projects and technical investigations for which the group has provided a peer
review and comments. These include:
Various in-service issues such as increased wear or concerns over flange back
contact in some switches
Opportunities and progress in International Collaboration
Economic tyre turning on GB railway and potential for further use of
European approaches to wheelset management
SBB Vehicle Dependent Track Access Charge 2017
Bogie Monitoring and Diagnostics (Siemens)
Performance of Lubircators fitted on Straight Track and differing wheelset
contact with grease ‘bulb’
Control systems interface with traction Motors and the influence on rail
damage
Developments in Metallurgy for Railway Infrastructure Applications
Quick Conicity Assessment Method, following work in the DynoTRAIN project
Update of the European standard on Equivalent Conicity
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The TAG continues to function as a Working Group for SIC specific topics such as
review of VTISM Technical Basis documentation, providing guidance and
background.
V/T TAG receives regular updates on the progress of research projects to which
the TAG provides guidance on the technical comment and direction.
The V/T TAG has a forward programme of presentations on technical subjects
associated with the wheel/rail interface, to ensure the group is kept abreast of
developments and technology direction.
During the year T Kendell, a long standing member representing DfT, retired and
has not been replaced. RSSB continues to chair the V/T TAG, however a chairman
from the industry would be preferred.
7.2
Adhesion Research Group (ARG)
ARG, chaired by N Ovenden of ATOC, commissions and leads adhesion and train
detection-related research proposals on behalf of V/T SIC and the Adhesion
Working Group (AWG). There are members and active support from train
operators, Network Rail, LUL, ROSCOs and suppliers
A ‘Solving the adhesion riddle’ workshop was held in Jauary 2014 by RRUKA, and
out of this funding for a number of post-doctoral reseach areas was awarded:




Improving rail wettability - TRL
High resolution “internet of things” moisture detection system – Birmingham
University
The use of dry ice for rail cleaning – University of Sheffield
Non-contact ultrasonic rail cleaning – University of Southampton
The above projects are all moving to conclusion for formal reporting in Q4 2015. It
is planned that the teams will give brief presentations on their work at V/T SIC
annual seminar and at RRUKA annual conference in autumn 2015.


There were also two i-Case PhD scholarships awarded: Tribo-chemistry
analysis to better understand low adhesion – University of Sheffield
High resolution automated leaf fall monitoring and prediction – University of
Birmingham
Magnetic Track Brakes - ARG members and others, including Network Rail staff,
have concluded their work on magnetic track brakes for use on GB mainline and
have agreed operational and technical constraints by which these could be
adopted across a wide range of metro/regional rolling stock and all Network Rail
routes. A submission by ARG to RSSB to further develop and document these
constraints in a Railway Group Standard (RGS) has now been discussed and
supported by all relevant Standards Committees. However, it has been concluded
that further development work is required to support the drafting of this
standard. This research specification and business case are currently being
worked up as provisional research project T1099. .
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Predictable & Optimised Braking Competition Call - Future Railway has closed the
Predictable & Optimised Braking Competition call. 17 compliant submissions to
this call, which has £4M of funds allocated, have now been reviewed by the
judging panel. 7 successful projects proposed by 6 bidders have been successful,
most of which are in contract now. Phase 1 deliveries should be complete by late
2015, with 2 – 3 of the successful bidders then proceeding to phase 2 for delivery
during 2016.
Low Adhesion Braking Software Model - several steering group meetings for the
low adhesion braking software model to be developed at University of
Huddersfield under their strategic partnership with RSSB have taken place –
several ARG members are also members of this steering group. A detailed
background literature review has been conducted and the results circulated to the
steering group. A draft functional requirements specification for the software
model has been distributed and discussed. Industry engagement has been sought
and offered to enable successful and useful delivery during 2016.
7.3
Wheelset Management Group (WMG)
WMG is an industry forum to develop, share and promote wheelset management
best practice. It seeks to understand the technical and commercial issues in the
supply chain, promote wheelset maintenance best practice, share wheelset
knowledge across the industry and sponsors research to develop improved
practices. The chairmanship of WMG has changed this year and now resides in the
capable hands of N Drury, FirstGroup.
The Wheelset Management Group has maintained good support from stakeholder
groups across the industry; passenger and freight operators, Network Rail, London
Underground, RSSB, Owners manufacturers, overhaul suppliers, technical
specialists.
WMG is sponsoring a number of RSSB managed research projects and the
common theme is the development of engineering knowledge to inform decisions
on reducing wheelset whole life costs without an adverse impact on safety risk.
WMG is engaged with V/T SIC PPG in the investigation of economic wheel reprofiling to assess the feasibility of turning profiles with thin flanges to increase
wheelset life. Outputs from research project T963, Improving Wheelset Life by
Better Understanding the Causes of Wheel Damage, in the form of wheelset
management guidance will be incorporated into GM/RT2466 and associated
documents during the current review.
To maintain technical knowledge within the industry WMG promotes the
dissemination of lessons learned from incidents and research projects. To keep
abreast of developments the meetings have regular technical presentations such
as bearing monitoring technologies and updates from V/T SIC PPG on project
developments. WMG is engaged in the planning of a wheelset seminar to be held
in 2016.
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