Applying AnyLogic Simulation
Software to Flat Yard Analysis
INFORMS Conference 2012
Roger Baugher
TrAnalytics, LLC.
AnyLogic Simulation Software
Principal Features
• Handles all three principal simulation frameworks
– Discrete Event
– Agent-Based
– System Dynamics
• Graphical Interface for model design
– Drag-and-drop logic
– Self-documenting
– Logic flow can be viewed
• Integrated with Java
– Generates Java code
– User functions can be written in Java
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
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AnyLogic Simulation Software
Principal Features (continued)
• Rich animation, including 3-D
• Specialized libraries fully integrated with simulation framework
– Road and Traffic
– Pedestrian
– Rail
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Understands trains, tracks, cars, switches, routes, coupling, uncoupling, acceleration,
deceleration
Access to rich set of methods and properties
Can place rail library objects anywhere in simulation, while exploiting non-rail
capabilities
– Using the Rail Library, one can model flat yards, hump yards and other rail
terminals (e.g., loading/unloading sites)
– Using the libraries together, one can model an intermodal terminal and
complex rail passenger / subway operations
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
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AnyLogic Simulation Software
Principal Features (continued)
• Supports various forms of logic representation
– State Transitions
– Program Flow Charts
• Modular design enables reuse of components
• Export to applets for internet presentations
• Cost-effective
– Full featured Professional version to create and run models
– Advanced version without libraries to edit and run models
• Excellent support
– Assistance with technical issues – How do I install this?
– Assistance with modeling issues – How do I model this?
– Commitment to enhance and support Rail Library
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
Page 4
AnyLogic Simulation Software
Demo
• Yard engine shoves a cut of 12 cars from the receiving yard on the right
(not shown) into Track 7130.
• Switch engine arrives from the left, pulls the cut of cars clear of the ladder,
kicks cars for similar destinations into their appropriate tracks, then
departs to the left.
• Yard engine returns once there are 6 or more cars on any track, pulling
each such track, doubling to multiple tracks as needed.
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
Page 5
AnyLogic Simulation Software
Key Control Elements
Creates a new train with specified
characteristics
Routes train through track
network via shortest path or
specified route
Joins two trains, passing
characteristics to train that
emerges
Generates two trains by
uncoupling the train that enters
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
Page 6
AnyLogic Simulation Software
Sample Control and Status Functions
Track
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boolean isEmpty()
int getNCars()
RailCar getFirstCar()
RailCar getLastCar()
RailCar getCar( int index )
LinkedList< RailCar > getCars()
double getFreeSpace( boolean fromstart )
Switch getSwitch( boolean atend )
double getLength()
void highlight()
ShapePolyLine getPolyline()
double getTopZ()
double intersectionToOffset (ShapeLine line)
Switch
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Track getSelectedTrack()
void setSelectedTrack( Track track )
void toggle()
Track nextTrack( Track from )
boolean isTrailingPoint( Track from )
boolean trackStarts( Track track )
Track getTrack( int index )
void highlight()
ShapeOval getOval()
TrAnalytics, LLC.
Train
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int size()
double getLength()
boolean isEmpty()
RailCar getFirst()
RailCar getLast()
RailCar get( int i )
void setCruiseSpeed( double speed )
double getCruiseSpeed()
void setAcceleration( double acceleration )
double getAcceleration()
void setDeceleration( double deceleration )
double getDeceleration()
Route getRoute()
boolean isMoving()
RailCar getHead()
RailCar getTail()
void setVelocity( double v )
double getVelocity()
void accelerateTo( double speed )
boolean getDirection()
ShapePolyLine getTrack( boolean front )
boolean getOrientation( boolean front )
boolean isForwardOnTrack( boolean front )
ShapePolyLine getTargetTrack()
double getTargetOffset()
double getDistanceToTarget()
double getDistanceDriven()
void resetDistanceDriven()
INFORMS Conference 2012
Page 7
AnyLogic Simulation Software
Logic Diagram
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
Page 8
AnyLogic Simulation Software
Small Portion of Logic Diagram
At upper left, the North End Job (engine on the right in the
simulation) is created, then held until no conflict exists. It then
shoves to Track 7130, uncouples from the rest of the cut, and exits.
At bottom left, the South End Job (switch engine) is created, then
held until no conflict exists. It moves to Track 7130 and couples with
the cars left by the North End Job. The cut is then pulled clear of the
ladder, and the engine kicks cuts of cars to their appropriate track.
Cars with the same destination move together.
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
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AnyLogic Simulation Software
Observations
• Simulation of the basic switching process is fairly
straightforward for a simple flat yard.
• When more than one switch engine works the same area,
resolving conflicts becomes more challenging.
• If block to track assignment changes through the day or
reswitch / sluff tracks are required, the logic becomes more
complex.
• The most challenging component of the yard to simulate is
the receiving and departure yard, since the process of
setting out and picking up, while maintaining block integrity
and coordinating with main line operations, requires many
rules and extensive conflict resolution.
• Representing locomotives and other resources as “Agents”
may create exciting new simulation capabilities.
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
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AnyLogic Simulation Software
Conclusions
• AnyLogic is a powerful, cost-effective simulation tool whose
specialized libraries and rich graphics enable a user to
develop realistic railroad yard simulations.
• Built-in capabilities, like shortest path computation, simplify
project definition.
• Graphical design interface gives user, not programmer, final
control over simulation design and execution.
• The Rail Library, when used in conjunction with the Road
and Traffic Library and Pedestrian Library, enables simulation
of a wide variety of rail terminals, including intermodal and
passenger facilities.
TrAnalytics, LLC.
INFORMS Conference 2012
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