FRA Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement System Technology Development: Past, Present, and Future

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheil Saadat ◽  
Cameron Stuart ◽  
Gary Carr ◽  
James Payne
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Geometry Measurement ◽  
Multi Phase

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research and Development has undertaken a multi-phase research program focused on the development and advancement of Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement Systems (ATGMS) and related technologies to improve rail safety by increasing the availability of track geometry data for safety and maintenance planning purposes. Benefits of widespread use of ATGMS technology include reduced life-cycle cost of inspection operations, minimized interference with revenue operations, and increased inspection frequencies. FRA’s Office of Research and Development ATGMS research program results have demonstrated that the paradigm of track inspection and maintenance practices, information management and, eventually, government regulations will change as a result of widespread use of ATGMS technology by the industry. A natural consequence of increased inspection frequencies associated with ATGMS is the large amount of actionable information produced. Therefore, changing existing maintenance practices to address a larger number of identified track issues across large geographic areas will be a challenge for the industry. In addition, managing ATGMS data and assessing the quality of this information in a timely manner will be challenging. This paper presents an overview of the FRA’s ATGMS research program with emphasis on its evolution from a proof-of-concept prototype to a fully operational measurement system. It presents the evolution of ATGMS technology over time including the development of a web-based application for data editing, management and quality assurance. Finally, it presents FRA’s vision for the future of the ATGMS technology.

The Next Generation of Gage Restraint Measurement Systems

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Bloom ◽  
Gary A. Carr ◽  
Georg Seyrlehner
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Commercial System ◽  
New Generation ◽  
A Performance

This paper presents a new generation Gage Restraint Measurement System (GRMS) being developed by ENSCO, Inc. and Plasser American for delivery to the Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Research and Development. GRMS technology was developed in the early 1980’s as a performance-based method to evaluate ties and fasteners. The technology has been adopted by many railroads, and commercial versions of the GRMS are being utilized daily throughout the country. A shortcoming of the current commercial system is that the unique split-axle system can derail when operating through switches and other track hardware. Since the split-axle is a main running axle, a derailment can have significant consequences. The new GRMS is designed as a fifth axle that is deployed from the frame of a track geometry vehicle instead of using one of the vehicle’s running axles. This results in a more flexible and safer GRMS design. This paper discusses the details of the new design and its advantages.

Optimizing Tamper Efficiency Through the Integration of Inertial Based Track Geometry Measurement

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph W. Palese ◽  
Sergio DiVentura ◽  
Ken Hill ◽  
Peter Maurice
Keyword(s):  
Time Perspective ◽  
Cloud Service ◽  
New Method ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Track Maintenance ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
Geometry Measurement

Maintaining track geometry is key to the safe and efficient operations of a railroad. Failure to properly maintain geometry can lead to costly track structure failures or even more costly derailments. Currently, there exists a number of different methods for measuring track geometry and then if required, maintaining the track to return track geometry to specified levels of acceptance. Because of this need to have proper track geometry, tampers are one of the most common pieces of maintenance equipment in a railroad operation’s fleet. It is therefore paramount from both a cost and track time perspective to gain maximum efficiency from any one particular tamper. Track geometry is typically measured through a variety of contact and non-contact measurement systems which can mount on a variety of different platforms. With respect to a tamper, a push buggy projector system is typically used to measure track geometry, utilizing the tamper body as the basis for the reference system, Track geometry can be measured utilizing this technology during a prerecording run. Then, the software onboard the tamper analyzes the recorded data to determine the best fit and calculate throws that achieve a better track alignment, particularly in curves. During the tamping operation, the tamper buggy system and frame adjust the track. Due to its design, track geometry measurements can only be made at low speed (roughly 4mph) which can severely affect the efficiency of the tamper. To help decrease pre maintenance inspection times, an inertial based track geometry measurement system has been developed and integrated into the tamper’s operating software. This system can mount directly to the frame of a tamper and operate at hy-rail to very low speeds. Measurements made can be fed directly into the tamper control system to guide where and how track geometry adjustments need to be made. In addition, the capability to collect data during travel mode without the buggies extended allows for the collection of data at any time. Thus, data can be recorded when traveling back and forth to a stabling location, before and/or after grinding. This allows for synchronization of data at a later time to utilize for adjusting the track. Also, data can be collected post-work to allow for the comparison of pre and post geometry to allow for the determination of the effectiveness of a given tamping operation. Tampers equipped with this track geometry system facilitate the foundation for an enterprise solution. Data that is measured and collected can be sent to a cloud service, in real time that will provide exception reports, health status, and rail health trend analyses. Utilizing the available technology further optimizes response time in track maintenance. This paper will introduce this new method of mounting and completely integrating an inertial based track geometry system onto a tamper. In addition, studies will be presented which confirm the ability of this system to replicate the tamper’s projection based track geometry system. Finally, a comprehensive study on efficiency gains will be presented directly comparing a standard method of maintaining a segment via a tamper to this new method of using onboard inertial track geometry measurement.

Development of an Unattended Track Geometry Measurement System

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Scott ◽  
Ema Chillingworth ◽  
Matthew Dick
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Modular System ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Track Maintenance ◽  
Geometry Measurement ◽  
And Control

Compliance with track standards and control of maintenance costs are critical aspects of the management of railroads. To facilitate this, track geometry measurement systems have evolved to allow monitoring of key track geometry parameters from moving trains. This paper describes how DeltaRail’s Trackline Two™ track geometry measurement system has been developed to overcome key technical shortcomings in existing systems. The resulting step change provides a cost-effective, robust, compact measurement system suitable for use on the broadest possible range of rail vehicles and networks, from a tram to a TGV. Extensive testing has demonstrated full compliance with appropriate standards. Significant improvements in reliability and repeatability of data have enabled DeltaRail to produce a modular system capable of sending data direct to value-adding analysis tools such as TrackMaster™ and VAMPIRE® so that track maintenance management can be optimized around train fleet and operational conditions. The system is easily operated in unattended mode allowing collection of track geometry data from in-service trains, increased frequency of data collection, and pointing the way for the track maintainers to realize significant value from integrated analysis and management options.

Multifunction LIDAR Sensors for Non-Contact Speed Measurement in Rail Vehicles: Part 2 — Data Collection and Analysis

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Wrobel ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadian ◽  
Michael Craft ◽  
Josh Munoz
Keyword(s):  
Ground Truth ◽  
Wheel Slip ◽  
Ground Speed ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Railroad Industry ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Rail Vehicles ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Curvature Measurements ◽  
Geometry Measurement

The application of Doppler based, LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR or lidar) technology for measuring true ground speed in a non-contacting manner is investigated, as a replacement to wheel tachometers that are commonly used for such measurements. Measuring track speed and distance traveled is an essential part of rail geometry measurement systems. Wheel tachometer measurement accuracy can often be adversely affected by wheel vibrations, change in wheel diameter, and wheel slip in high traction conditions. LIDAR is a non-contact measurement device that uses the Doppler technology to accurately determine speed. Two LIDAR sensors are attached to the underside of a track geometry car with the sensors’ Class I laser beams facing the gauge corner of each rail. The LIDAR sensors measure the absolute ground speed for each rail, allowing for the determination of forward speed and track curvature. The results of the tests show high accuracy in LIDAR speed, distance, and track curvature measurements when compared with other conventional means that are used in the railroad industry and ground truth measurements. With further development, LIDAR sensors can replace wheel tachometers that are commonly used for speed and distance measurement, therefore eliminating the problems with mechanical reliability and the need for periodic calibration of wheel tachometers.

Multifunction LIDAR Sensors for Non-Contact Speed Measurement in Rail Vehicles: Part I — System Installation and Implementation

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Muñoz ◽  
Michael Craft ◽  
Mehdi Ahmadian ◽  
Shannon Wrobel
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Precise Measurement ◽  
Light Detection And Ranging ◽  
Lidar System ◽  
Track Geometry ◽  
Rail Vehicles ◽  
Speed Measurement ◽  
Train Speed ◽  
Geometry Measurement ◽  
Contact Sensors

This study presents speed measurement system using Light detection And Ranging (LIDAR) technology is successfully tested on moving railway cars. The system has multiple mounting capabilities that allow it to attach to various locations on the railcar. Using lasers to measure train speed off of each rail individually, the system determines curvature characteristics of the track based on known track geometry and speed differentials measured by the system. The LIDAR speed measurement system offers a non-contact form of measurement that eliminates noise and unwanted disturbances originating from contact sensors such as wheel-mounted encoders. The results of the study indicate that, with an ability to operate at speeds from 0.5mph and upwards of 100mph, the LIDAR system proves to be a highly versatile and precise measurement device useful in rail geometry measurement applications.

scholarly journals TEP Rail Head Profile Trolley - test results of the laser measurement system

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 (12) ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Marcin Kowalski
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Optical Measurement ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Laser Measurement ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Laser Measurement System ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Rail Head

The article describes the results of research and development undertaken to develop a compact, optical measurement system for measuring the elements of track infrastructure. The article describes the main features of the optical measurement systems and the results of the research project. The author presents two examples of the implementation of this technology in the portable diagnostic devices: electronic trolley and in the toll for the creation of 3D models of turnout crossings.

A Manufacturing Systems Engineering View of IT Research and Development

1987 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-118
Author(s):  
M.W. Dale
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Human Interface ◽  
Real World Applications ◽  
Computing Skills ◽  
Information Technologists ◽  
Information Technology Development

This paper presents a manufacturing systems engineering view of important issues relating to IT research and development. It argues for an approach to the next phase of information technology development which is heavily based on real-world applications with the dominant influences held by educated users and engineers who have added computing skills, rather than information technologists. It argues for ‘consolidation’ with particular attention to total systems integration and an emphasis on the need to professionally engineer the human interface.

scholarly journals Identification of Technology Diffusion by Citation and Main Paths Analysis: The Possibility of Measuring Open Innovation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Wei-Hao Su ◽  
Kai-Ying Chen ◽  
Louis Y. Y. Lu ◽  
Ya-Chi Huang
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Surgical Navigation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Reference Network ◽  
Research Topics ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Development Trajectory ◽  
Historic Development

This study collected literature on augmented reality (AR) from academic and patent databases to plot the historic development trajectory of AR and forecast its future research and development trends. A total of 3193 and 13,629 papers were collected from academic and patent databases, respectively. First, a network was established using references from the academic literature; main path analysis was conducted on this reference network to plot the overall development trajectory. Subsequent cluster and word cloud analyses revealed the following five major groups of AR research topics: AR surgical navigation applications, AR education applications, AR applications in manufacturing, AR applications in architecture, and AR applications in visual tracking. Subsequently, the relationships between the overall development trajectory and the five AR research topics were compared. Next, the title and abstract of AR-related academic and patent papers were subjected to text mining to identify keywords with a high frequency of occurrence. The results can provide a reference for industry, government, and academia when planning future development strategies for the AR field. This research adopted an integrated analysis procedure to plot the trajectory of AR technology development and applications successfully and effectively, predict future patent research and development directions and produce technological forecasts.

scholarly journals Development of Thermal Performance Metrics for Direct Gas-Fired Circulating Heaters

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 588
Author(s):  
Benjamin C. Smith ◽  
Brett C. Ramirez ◽  
Steven J. Hoff
Keyword(s):  
Mass Flow ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Thermal Efficiency ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Flow System ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Selection Of

Many climate-controlled agricultural buildings use direct gas-fired circulating heaters (DGFCH) for supplement heat. There is no standardized test to calculate thermal efficiency for these heaters. This study aimed to develop a measurement system and analytical analysis for thermal efficiency, quantify the measurement uncertainty, and assess economics of DGFCH efficiency. The measurement system developed was similar to the ASHRAE 103 standard test stand with adaptations to connect the apparatus to the DGFCH. Two different propane measurement systems were used: input ratings < 30 kW used a mass flow system and input ratings > 30 kW used a volumetric gas meter. Three DGFCHs (21.9, 29.3, 73.3 kW) were tested to evaluate the system. Thermal efficiencies ranged from 92.4% to 100.9%. The resulting uncertainty (coverage factor of 2; ~95% Confidence Interval) ranged from 13.1% to 30.7% for input ratings of 56.3 to 11.4 kW. Key sources of uncertainty were propane and mass flow of air measurement. The economic impact of 1% difference in thermal efficiency ranged from USD $61.3 to $72.0 per heating season. Refinement of the testing system and procedures are needed to reduce the uncertainty. The application of this system will aid building designers in selection of DGFCHs for various applications.

scholarly journals Visual Measurement System for Wheel–Rail Lateral Position Evaluation

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1297
Author(s):  
Viktor Skrickij ◽  
Eldar Šabanovič ◽  
Dachuan Shi ◽  
Stefano Ricci ◽  
Luca Rizzetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Image Point ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Point Selection ◽  
Lateral Direction ◽  
Initial Field ◽  
Visual Measurement ◽  
Track Geometry

Railway infrastructure must meet safety requirements concerning its construction and operation. Track geometry monitoring is one of the most important activities in maintaining the steady technical conditions of rail infrastructure. Commonly, it is performed using complex measurement equipment installed on track-recording coaches. Existing low-cost inertial sensor-based measurement systems provide reliable measurements of track geometry in vertical directions. However, solutions are needed for track geometry parameter measurement in the lateral direction. In this research, the authors developed a visual measurement system for track gauge evaluation. It involves the detection of measurement points and the visual measurement of the distance between them. The accuracy of the visual measurement system was evaluated in the laboratory and showed promising results. The initial field test was performed in the Vilnius railway station yard, driving at low velocity on the straight track section. The results show that the image point selection method developed for selecting the wheel and rail points to measure distance is stable enough for TG measurement. Recommendations for the further improvement of the developed system are presented.

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