A methodology for the optimisation of a prescribed track gauge variation (gauge widening) in the switch panel of a railway turnout (switch and crossing, S&C) is presented. The aim is to reduce rail profile degradation. A holistic approach is applied, where both routes and travel directions (moves) of traffic in the switch panel are considered simultaneously. The problem is formulated as a multi-objective minimisation problem which is solved using a genetic-type optimisation algorithm which provides a set of Pareto optimal solutions. The dynamic vehicle–turnout interaction is evaluated using a multi-body simulation tool and the energy dissipation in the wheel–rail contacts is used for the assessment of gauge parameters. Two different vehicle models are used, one freight car and one passenger train set, and a stochastic spread in wheel profile and wheel–rail friction coefficient is accounted for. It is found that gauge configurations with a large gauge-widening amplitude for the stock rail on the field side are optimal for both the through and diverging routes, while the results for the gauge side show a larger route dependence. The optimal gauge configurations are observed to be similar for both vehicle types.


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    Title :

    Track gauge optimisation of railway switches using a genetic algorithm


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Vehicle System Dynamics ; 50 , sup1 ; 365-387


    Publication date :

    2012-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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