Longitudinal train dynamics model for a rail transit simulation system

Authors

Jinghui Wang
Hesham R. Rakha

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2018

Subject Area

mode - rail, mode - tram/light rail, place - north america, place - urban, organisation - management, planning - methods

Keywords

Train, Longitudinal dynamics, Microscopic simulation, Rail transit

Abstract

The paper develops a longitudinal train dynamics model in support of microscopic railway transportation simulation. The model can be calibrated without any mechanical data making it ideal for implementation in transportation simulators. The calibration and validation work is based on data collected from the Portland light rail train fleet. The calibration procedure is mathematically formulated as a constrained non-linear optimization problem. The validity of the model is assessed by comparing instantaneous model predictions against field observations, and also evaluated in the domains of acceleration/deceleration versus speed and acceleration/deceleration versus distance. A test is conducted to investigate the adequacy of the model in simulation implementation. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can adequately capture instantaneous train dynamics, and provides good performance in the simulation test. The model provides a simple theoretical foundation for microscopic simulators and will significantly support the planning, management and control of railway transportation systems.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Transportation Research Part C Home Page:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0968090X

Recommended Citation

Wang, J., & Rakha, H.A. (2018). Longitudinal train dynamics model for a rail transit simulation system. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, Vol. 86, pp. 111-123.