Measurement and assessment uncertainties when testing rail vehicles for running dynamics

What is it about?

When authorising trains to be put trains in service, EU law requires many on-track tests to be performed to make sure the vehicle type (model of train) is safe and has other favourable characteristics. Running dynamics measurements require the measurement of forces exchanged between wheel and rail and accelerations of the components of the vehicle. The accuracy of these measurements is difficult to quantify due to the complexity of the physics behind the issue. The DynoTRAIN project has allowed a quantification of such accuracy thanks to its several thousand kilometres of on-track tests. This means facilitating the authorisation process for vehicle types that are designed to the limit (measurement results just above or below the limits), setting a benchmark for the characteristics (and cost) required for the measurements systems used, providing valuable knowledge to further develop the standards for measurements in a way as to lead to more effective and less expensive tests in the future.

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Why is it important?

Thanks to the several thousand kilometres of tests, this is the first time we are able to put some figures on paper for the accuracy of the assessment quantities and not only of the single measured quantity. We expect this to allow progress in further developing running dynamics standards and reducing the cost associated with placing rail vehicles in service, whilst maintaining or even improving the good safety record.