Do you need a partner to perform strength analyses in the field of railway?
Here are a few reasons why PROSE is the right contact:
PROSE’s vast, networked and long-standing experience in finite element analysis (FEA)
PROSE’s great expertise from load assumptions to simulation, interpretation, optimisation, specification, test supervision, model validation and troubleshooting
PROSE’s independence to support you as a neutral consultant and surveyor
PROSE’s flexibility and fast responsiveness
For more information, check out our new reference:
It is not always the absolute high-end solutions that PROSE develops!
We are proud that, at the request of our customer SVT Görlitz, we can make a contribution to ensure that the historic VT 18.16 multiple unit train will soon be able to travel again with passengers on special occasions.
The VT 18.16 were high-quality diesel multiple units for the time, equipped with two 900 HP engines and approved for speeds of up to 160 km/h. They were built by the Deutsche Reichsbahn. They were procured by the Deutsche Reichsbahn from VEB Waggonbau Görlitz from 1963 onwards and were intended in particular for international use. Great importance was attached to the equipment and condition, and the catering in the train was much better than in other DR trains.
As part of the modernisation, SVT Görlitz has commissioned us to reconstruct the floor of the vehicle so that, depending on the event and necessity, passenger seating, buffet tables or cinema seating can be installed very quickly and flexibly.
Are you curious about the cutting-edge applications of Artificial Intelligence in the railway industry? Eager to discover how AI can revolutionize the way we address noise reduction and wear in trams? If so, sign up to the Swedtrain webinar tomorrow and hear the PROSE employee Felix speak about “Self-optimizing Rail Head Lubrication”
He will take you into the fascinating world of AI and its transformative role in the rail vehicle sector. During the session, you’ll have the opportunity to hear about:
Join us as we embark on a journey into the future of railways powered by Artificial Intelligence. Together, we’ll explore innovative solutions that promise to shape the industry for years to come!
We can support you in finding the solutions for your project and challenges: reach out to find out more.
PROSE-employee Felix Saur will be speaking about “Calculation methods for determining the maximum dynamic torsional moment of wheelsets”. In this presentation, Felix Saur describes the possibilities offered by different calculation methods related to wheelset torsional vibrations to increase system understanding and thus reduce project risks and costs.
Save the date and time to learn more from our expert in this field: Tuesday, 19.9.2023 at 5.00 p.m.
Together with various SBB organisations and several specialist planners (L2A Architekten AG, Technisches Büro K.N.O.L.L. GmbH, Wiederkehr und Villiger AG and Fahrgrund AG), 12 variants were developed in the greater Biel area and evaluated operationally, technically, and economically. Planning documents, a cost estimate, a possible schedule, and the corresponding application documentation for the decision-making process within SBB were prepared for the best variant. In addition, a recommendation was made for further procedures, including the risk assessment for the subsequent phases.
Customer benefit
With the wealth of experience of the people involved, the possibilities at the Biel site could be quickly and efficiently identified and evaluated. The option of additional roof work was subsequently integrated due to the consideration of the entire production concept.
Development of verification concepts and load assumptions as well as performance of calculations and simulations for:
Car bodies according to e.g. EN 12663
Bogies and wheelsets according to e.g. EN 13749, EN 13261
Streetcars and metros according to VDV 152
Attachment parts according to EN 61373
General load assumptions from calculations, measurements and simulations for e.g. special vehicles
Static, fatigue and time strength assessment:
Base material and weld seams according to FKM Guideline
Fatigue of steel according to Eurocode 3 DIN EN 1993-1-9 and BS 7608
Weld seam evaluation according to DVS 1612 / DVS 1608 and IIW recommendation
Screw connection according to DIN 25202:1-6, VDI 2230 and Eurocode 3 DIN EN 1993-1-8
Cylindrical helical spring according to EN 13906
Further analyses:
Nonlinear and crash analyses
Heat transfer analyses
Topological optimizations
Eigenvalue analyses
Stability analyses
Damage analyses and repair solutions
Our Approach
Depending on the customer’s specifications, PROSE carries out strength analyses in parallel with the design in its own development team or works directly with the customer’s team. PROSE covers the entire range of the analysis from the development of the load assumptions to the modelling to the efficient execution of the calculations and simulations as well as the evaluation of the results. Based on the strength analyses, PROSE can prepare test specifications for structural tests, accompany tests and, if required, validate the strength model with the evaluation. PROSE engineers have interdisciplinary know-how also in non-railway specific problems. Furthermore, PROSE also takes over the coaching of simulation processes and supports as a neutral consultant.
Customer benefit
Through the early use of strength analyses in the design process, weak points are identified and eliminated at an early stage, costly test series are avoided and the quality of the product is decisively improved. In addition to a qualified calculation, PROSE attaches great importance to the interpretation and presentation of the results required for the customer, including explanations and, if necessary, documentation relevant for approval. Due to its great flexibility, PROSE can respond to customer requests at very short notice
Support during the presentation of the workshop infrastructure to the bidders
Development of criteria for the evaluation-relevant requirements
Evaluation of the indicative offers regarding the fulfilment of the technical specifications
Preparing, assisting, and recording negotiations
Evaluation of binding offers regarding the fulfilment of the technical specification
Our Approach
PROSE assists the Kasseler Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (KVG) with technical expertise from the time of publication of the tender until the award of the contract. KVG was supported particularly in the priority areas of:
Answering bidders’ questions
Bid evaluation and
Support during bidder discussions
Based on the technical specifications, which were developed with the support of PROSE, the bidders’ questions were answered. PROSE established a small agile team for the bid evaluation, which started the intensive and systematic evaluation after receipt of the bids. The team was engaged in the same composition for the indicative as well as for the binding offers. In addition to adhering to the demanding schedule, this required close coordination with the KVG project team. At a joint workshop on-site in Kassel, the bidder discussions were prepared, and criteria for the evaluation-relevant requirements were developed.
Customer benefit
The customer can benefit from broad and independent expert support by PROSE:
Reduced binding of own resources for the development of the requirement specification.
Supplementing own technical knowledge with external knowledge for the general vehicle concept and the associated subsystems and components
Drawing on experience from PROSE’s broad pool of experts
Fast, structured and always comprehensible processing of the evaluation of almost 2000 requirements and 200 offer documents
We are shaping tomorrow’s mobility by being a mobility service provider. In our project “Feasibility study on driverless train operation (DTO)” we had the opportunity to show and observe the market within driverless operation / ATO.
The project was a cornerstone in bringing our capabilities in rolling stock operation together, both on technical as well as on operational aspects. The customer, BLT Transport AG, in Switzerland received a well-founded result based on a diversified analysis. During the realisation of the project, BLT already received an overview of the current state of the art of autonomous transport systems and of present projects. In the end PROSE developed a coordinated proposal for a step by step introduction of autonomous operation, as well as further steps required for implementation, which were coordinated with the Federal Office of Transport (FOT).
Interested in shaping tomorrows mobility together? Let us know how we can support in your projects: https://prose.one/contact/
PROSE implemented the maintenance audit in four sections: The content and objective of the first part was the deductive immersion in the maintenance organisation, starting from the strategy, the annual report on the structural and process organisation, the basic compatibility assessment of functional process organisations and the cooperation and division of labour between the different workshops. In the second part of this audit, two workshops were visited and their work was evaluated with regard to the knowledge gained in the first part and any gaps and/or suggestions for improvement were collected. Finally, the collected impressions were summarised and reflected upon and located with the client. The final report documented the result of the external view and provided information on the development status of vehicle maintenance.
Customer benefit
During the four abovementioned inspections, the Appenzeller Bahnen and their maintenance team received valuable feedback on their processes, on the organisation of procedures and processes, as well as on the status of their documentation. A number of suggestions for improvement were gratefully received and implemented as soon as possible.
PROSE analysed possible risks in the homologation and deployment of ATO GoA2 over ATB via STM-Module and analysed the requirements for ATO out of the TSI CCS and TSI OPE. Through analysing project risks concerning existing standards, approval processes and the target architecture, PROSE provided an in-depth analysis proposing a vehicle authorisation approach that covers the overall system level and the changes to the technical and operational subsystems. Besides an approval concept, PROSE provided a roll-out approach for ATO that mitigates safety risks related to Human-Machine-Interface.
Customer benefit
NS benefits from PROSE’s in-depth analysis and concept as an independent second opinion and the adaptation of experiences gained in other ATO projects. Due to the extensive overall system knowledge, PROSE was able to consider all relevant subsystems of railway operation and technology and deliver an NS-aligned approach.
Expert reports on fire protection, derailment and restriction
Our Approach
The AB-EBV requires a proof of compliance with the reference line. For this proof, PROSE has prepared a restriction calculation according to EN 15273-2:2013 as well as an independent expert report. The front and side windows are glued to the cabin of the snow blower. ZAUGG is not certified according to DIN 6701, but will have the bonding work carried out by an external company. PROSE has been commissioned to provide proof of strength for the two A1 bondings. In addition, the AB-EBV requires an expert report on the fire protection concept, which has been prepared by PROSE experts. PROSE has also provided the proof of derailment safety according to the BAV guideline “Nachweis sicheres Fahrverhalten Meterspur-, Spezialspur- und Zahnradbahnen”, as well as an independent expert report.
Customer benefit
PROSE’s expertise in the topics of verification as well as its comprehensive knowledge made it possible to use independent experts for the preparation of the expert report. For this reason, time was saved and ZAUGG was able to submit the required documents to the BAV on time.
Risk analysis for fire protection of the technical components
Conceptual design of fire protection monitoring
Integration concepts for the different vehicles
Electrical integration
Complete installation and maintenance documentation
Verification documents for approval
Our Approach
Beforehand, PROSE had already developed an initial concept for the cable routing and carried out a risk analysis of the affected components. Together with the component supplier, PROSE then developed a detailed concept for the mechanical integration of the LHD cable and the other components required for monitoring in the vehicles. After the conversion of the first prototypes, the complete documentation as well as the proofs for the approval were prepared by PROSE.
Customer benefit
In particular, the customer was able to benefit from the comprehensive know-how of PROSE’s experts, who were able to comprehensively narrow down the complex topic of fire protection monitoring and its integration based on their knowledge of the vehicles. Due to the intensive support of the workshop, questions could be clarified immediately and thus the target dates could be optimally met.
