Method for validating the train motion equations used for passenger rail vehicle simulation

Train simulation software is conventionally validated by checking simulation results against equivalent data collected from real train runs. It is typically expected that these results will be within 5–10% accuracy of the recorded data. However, such a large margin could allow errors in the programming to be overlooked, resulting in an inaccurate model. This paper presents a method for error checking and validating the kinematics of train simulators based on comparison with calculated results, which are found by solving the fundamental equations governing train motion. A typical train run comprises of a combination of two or more of the four stages: accelerating, cruising, coasting and braking. Each stage is considered as a separate scenario for which the equations must be solved, in order to find the running time, distance travelled and energy consumption of the vehicle. This validation method is applied to two train movement simulators currently used for research. Certain specific scenarios for which analytical solutions are available are run in each simulator. The differences from the analytical solution in each test case are quantified, allowing the simulators to be compared to each other and the exact solution.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1177/0954409716631784
• Record URL:
  http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0954409716631784
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09544097
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Ltd.
• Authors:
  • Douglas, Heather
  • Weston, Paul
  • Kirkwood, David
  • Hillmansen, Stuart
  • Roberts, Clive
• Publication Date: 2017-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 455-469
• Serial:
  • Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit
  • Volume: 231
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Sage Publications Limited
  • ISSN: 0954-4097
  • EISSN: 2041-3017
  • Serial URL: http://pif.sagepub.com/content/current

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Equations of motion; Passenger trains; Railroad simulators; Railroads; Simulation; Validation
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01635525
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 25 2017 1:56PM