Advanced Model for Predicting Buckling in Rails

It is well-known that track buckling is one of the most commonplace causes of train derailments. Accordingly, with partial funding provided by previous USDOT UTC and the Technology Transportation Center, Inc. (TTCI, now MxV Rail), the research team is continuing to develop a track buckling model for deployment by MxV Rail as a tool for predicting track buckling, A significant advancement over currently deployed track buckling models, the technology includes an open-source nonlinear finite element algorithm that is user-friendly. Briefly, the track buckling model accounts for the effects of the following on track buckling: both longitudinal and lateral track walk; rail neutral temperature (RNT); both lateral and longitudinal crosstie-aggregate interfacial friction; track modulus; nonlinear track liftoff; and broken spikes. In addition, it is sufficiently robust to be capable for additional environmental causes to be described herein and in a companion proposal. Given these advanced capabilities, track engineers will be able to dramatically improve track safety.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Active
  • Funding: $266542
  • Contract Numbers:

    69A3552348340

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

    University Transportation Centers Program
    Department of Transportation
    Washington, DC  United States  20590

    Texas A&M Transportation Institute

    Texas A&M University System
    3135 TAMU
    College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
  • Managing Organizations:

    Texas A&M Transportation Institute

    Texas A&M University System
    3135 TAMU
    College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
  • Project Managers:

    Stearns, Amy

  • Performing Organizations:

    Texas A&M Transportation Institute

    Texas A&M University System
    3135 TAMU
    College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
  • Principal Investigators:

    Allen, David

  • Start Date: 20240601
  • Expected Completion Date: 20250831
  • Actual Completion Date: 0
  • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01924825
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
  • Contract Numbers: 69A3552348340
  • Files: UTC, RIP
  • Created Date: Jul 21 2024 11:03AM