Railroads
Positive Train Control Passenger Braking Algorithm Enhancement – Phase II
FRA sponsored research to examine the performance benefits of four potential modifications to the current methodology used for passenger braking enforcement algorithms in Positive Train Control applications. All four modifications improved braking performance compared to the baseline. PTC...
Broken Rail and Rollout Detection to Support QMB Operations
Researchers collaborated with a railroad advisory group to demonstrate the validity of a track circuit concept that supports the Quasi-Moving Block (QMB) method of train control. They performed proof-of-concept testing, capacity analysis, hazard analysis, and requirements development. ...
Rolling Contact Fatigue Testing of Two Different Wheel Steels Under Various Temperatures and Slip Ratios
This report presents the results and findings from a testing program conducted to investigate how wheel temperature may affect wheel surface performance, i.e., the development of rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and wear from November 2019. Under this testing program, a twin disc test machine was...