HBM is the partner of Argos Systems for more safety and transparency in rail traffic. This is how Argos Systems functions:

• Local measuring points make it possible to continuously monitor, with constant quality levels, vehicle status and superstructure load parameters.
• The measurements do not impede traffic at normal speeds on the operational track.
• The vehicles do not require any equipment, but vehicle identification systems (transponders) can be incorporated.
  
  

  HBM's nCode software branch itself began in the rail industry in the 1980s, so it is no surprise many companies in the design and operation of trains continue to derive benefits from the latest generation of nCode products.

  Upfront design of train structuresand bogies can be optimized for fatigue performance, thus saving weight and reducing energy required and damage to tracks. Operational measurements of strain and acceleration are taken on both train structures and tracks to predict failure and also assess damage. In this way, problems can be identified before they can cause failure and thus preventing serious derailments and accidents.

  Typical applications and measurements are:

  • Understand fatigue of railway components like wheels, bogies, axles, etc.
  • Understand field loading – how often are bumps seen, how many starts/stops per hour or mile, etc.
  • Fatigue analysis of structural members
  • Ride quality analysis to understand the impact of ride and track harshness on the riders
  • Remote monitoring of tracks

  Learn more about HBM nCode Durability Software

   

  Rail measurements

  

  As part of the track structure in railway networks, rails are subject tohigh and permanent strains. In addition to material failures, weather influences and the effects of rail traffic can lead to various types of damage. HBM measurement technology helps in continuous monitoring of the rail network and in individual measurements on rails - for instance, in the following tasks:

  • Measurement of forces, mechanical stresses, accelerations and methods for determining lateral track displacement, longitudinal track displacement, track distortion, lateral sleeper displacement
  • Measurement of track component loading during operation
  • Investigations following changes in operating conditions, e.g. increasing axle load, speed, etc.
  • Detection and continuous monitoring or risk factors for derailments and overloading due to: Y and Q forces, load status, derailment coefficient, train formation, centrifugal force, curve travel, rolling characteristics, instabilities, rail displacement forces, wheel deformities
  • Verification of applicable rules
  • Data determination for Life Cycle Cost calculations

   

  Measurements on carriages and rail vehicles

  The current international standards (e.g. EN 15227) for rail test impose high requirements on the safety of rail vehicles. The aim of every new development in rail transport is to develop structures that are crash-safe with appropriate designs for maximum safety during collisions, impacts and crashes.

  HBM measurement technology provides assistance, amongst others, for the following tasks:

  • Determination of requirements for the collision safety of passenger and driving compartments
  • Crash tests with force transducers

  Road tests and acceptance runs

  

  There are numerous application options and cases for mobilemeasurement data acquisition in rail traffic. Whether the dynamic behavior of railway carriages are involved or the checking of specific parameters: HBM measurement technology provides valuable services in road tests and acceptance runs.

  • For approvals: Investigations on curve junctions and/or a 190m track curve, and measurements on wheel contact and driving forces
  • Detection systems for unround wheels, vehicle detection stations, rail temperature, gauge changing systems and rail weighing bridges.

   

  Component test bench measurements

  Specific requirements must be complied with for the approval of components by national supervisory authorities (e.g. Federal rail office). Typical application cases are strength tests, driving tests and braking tests. The use of reliable measurement technology ensures a high level of safety and traceability of measurement results in these cases.

  Numerous state accredited testing facilities therefore use HBM measurement technology for approvals in rail traffic, e.g. for:

  • Operation measurements for the analysis of loads and component loadings
  • Structural durability testing of wheel set shafts, bogie frames, complete wheel sets, draw gear and buffing appliances, and superstructure components
  • Experimental strength verifications on rail vehicles
  • Operational vibration analyses
  • Metrological accompaniment during introduction of new components for superstructures and their field tests
  • Investigation into effects of vibrations on components
  • Planning, performance and documentation of measurements for the documentation of the actual status
  • Measurements as per DIN 45672.