Developing a Calibration Method for Tactile Pressure Sensors Applied to Non-Uniform, Rough Contact Surfaces: A Case Study at the Ballast-Tie Interface of Railroad Track
The use of matrix based tactile surface sensor (MBTSS) technology on rough contact surfaces is a unique application of such sensors. Typically the sensors are used to characterize more continuous, and often more uniform loading distributions. Currently, the use of MBTSS, namely the Tekscan Pressure Mapping System is being employed to study the contact pressures at the ballast-tie interface of the railroad track structure. With increased axle loads and tonnage, and reduced maintenance windows, a better understanding of the ballast-tie interface is necessary. Ballast-tie interface pressure distribution data has potential benefits in tie structural modeling and design, ballast degradation modeling, as well as overall track maintenance strategies and planning. The current research explores the use of the Tekscan MBTSS system at the ballast-tie interface. The ballast-tie interface represents a unique loading environment characterized by high point pressures, minimal contact area, and large applied forces. This paper proposes a calibration procedure for the Tekscan sensors specifically tailored for the ballast-tie interface, and other rough, non-uniform surfaces. The calibration procedure is detailed and validation results are presented. Validation tests on both fouled ballast and new ballast indicate a large discrepancy with the results of calibration curves of the proposed calibration method. The Tekscan sensors’ output is highly dependent on the contact surface it reacts against including its contact area, roughness, and shape. Future work to optimize the calibration’s reaction surface is discussed. Currently, the MBTSS system lacks versatility on rough, non-uniform contact surfaces like railroad ballast as contact surface conditions must be known prior to testing in order to obtain an accurate calibration
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Supplemental Notes:
- This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AR050 Railroad Track Structure System Design. Alternate title: Developing a Calibration Method for Tactile Pressure Sensors Applied to Nonuniform, Rough Contact Surfaces: Case Study at Ballast-Tie Interface of Railroad Track
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Corporate Authors:
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001 -
Authors:
- McHenry, Michael
- Xu, Peng
- Greenwell, Travis J
- Souleyrette, Reginald R
- Rose, Jerry G
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Conference:
- Transportation Research Board 93rd Annual Meeting
- Location: Washington DC
- Date: 2014-1-12 to 2014-1-16
- Date: 2014
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; References;
- Pagination: 16p
- Monograph Title: TRB 93rd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Calibration; Case studies; Maintenance of way; Mechanical loads; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Sensors; Tactile perception
- Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01519727
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: 14-4695
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Mar 26 2014 10:07AM