Detailed description of the planned infrastructure
Analysis of standards, technology and safety
Conclusion of asset of proposed measures of realisation – in coordination with FOT
Our Approach
During the first phase, a market overview was carried out together with a detailed description of the planned infrastructure – which ensured the achievement of the range required. The next step was creating the additional depth required by using standard technology and safety analyses. After consolidation, various variants were developed and evaluated during the feasibility phase. In coordination with the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), the best variant was selected and subsequently specified by proposed implementation measures
Customer benefit
Thanks to PROSE’s structured approach, BLT 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 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 FOT.
Gauging analysis of railway vehicles according to EN 15273
Gauging analysis of vehicles according to BOStrab
Calculation with special simulation programs cMotion or DIMA
Simulation of complex articulated vehicles, e.g. light rail vehicles
Consideration of national requirements (e.g. EBO resp. BOStrab in Germany or AB-EBV in Switzerland, etc.)
Consideration of requirements from network accesses (e.g. SBB I-20030 in Switzerland)
Gauging analysis of narrow-gauge vehicles according to AB-EBV
Analysis of special vehicles (e.g. suspended railways)
Our Approach
At first a verification concept is developed based on the customer’s specifications as well as requirements from infrastructure and standards. This can include the following, depending on the specific task:
Simple delta analysis (e.g. design adaptions or interoperability concerns)
Regular construction gauge calculation with static or kinematic methods
Calculation of gauging demand by means of accumulation of critical positions of the bogies in the track gauge, design tolerances, plays, etc. with distinction of random and non-random contributions
Simulations by means of the tool cMotion to model arbitrary vehicle configurations and track routing
Application of dynamic methods supported by simulations (e.g. swinging characteristics for suspended railways)
Development assisting analysis with continuous assessment and consulting
Validation via simulation or measurement (e.g. multi-body simulation or field test runs with attached blocks)
Compilation of input data, procedure and results to a report, ready to be submitted to Technical Authorities
Customer benefit
Due to the wide range of available methods and the long-standing expertise of the PROSE-experts arbitrary vehicles and requirements can be investigated. Potential problems will be anticipated and prevented. Manifested problems can be furthermore solved by experts of other disciplines. Additionally, a special focus on efficiency lies in our DNA as a service provider. Combined with a tailor-made concept for the customer and project this overall ensures that technical risks in development, homologation and operation as well as commercial overall efforts will be minimized.
In a hybrid workshop moderated and conducted by PROSE experts, questions will be discussed. Different topics like the safety assessment report, efficient decision bases and tools for the identification of significant changes will be addressed. The optimization of the system boundary definition, the optimization of the requirement capture and the optimization of the safety plan are also discussed in detail. The issues are underpinned with practical examples.
Customer benefit
Thus, processes and methodologies are optimized at Plasser & Theurer to the extent that the effort is reduced, and the lead times are shortened, but always in compliance with the requirements of the CSM EU VO 402/2013. The results of the workshop including recommendations for the further procedure were summarized by PROSE in a short report after the workshop.
The technical innovation group for rail freight (TIS) sees the modular design of carrying wagons in conjunction with innovative container concepts as an approach to solving the problem outlined. Innovative container solutions are also becoming increasingly popular for bulk goods.
Customer benefit
The securing techniques developed in the various concepts of modular construction and container concepts were evaluated with regard to their effect on the forces and accelerations measured in the sequence tests. Furthermore, a recommendation for a possible future standard for a securing system, possibly for different classes of accelerations and forces, was developed. PROSE developed different clusters for the classification of transport goods/containers.
New vehicle developments:
Feasibility studies, risk analysis (failure conditions) and support of concept studies based on computer simulations
Vehicle approval:
Simulations for the assessment of running characteristics, model validation, simulations for the extension of approvals, simulations related to track access charges
Investigation of operational issues:
Clarification of causes for derailments, assessment of the effects of changes, analysis of unexpected wear, wheel-rail interface studies
Special operational conditions:
Pushing/pulling of inoperable multiple units, propelling tests
Wheel set torsional vibrations
Special applications such as gauge changing bogies, maglev or (suspended) monorails
Our Approach
PROSE has many years of experience in the dynamic simulation of rail vehicles, acquired through the running dynamic analyses for various own bogie developments and many calculations for manufacturers and operators. PROSE has also supported various innovative developments and research projects. Due to this expertise, PROSE is the suitable partner for the investigation of challenging questions in the field of rail vehicle dynamics. Through analyses and simulations, PROSE helps customers to identify weak points at an early stage, to avoid costly test series and to decisively improve the quality of the products.
PROSE covers the entire range of simulation steps, from the definition of the simulation task, the system boundary conditions and the compilation of the required model parameters to efficient model building, execution of the simulations and evaluation of the results. Based on many years of experience, PROSE is able to reliably estimate parameters which are difficult to determine and to select the appropriate modelling depth for the respective problem. The commercial simulation software system SIMPACK as well as special applications developed in-house are available for the calculations. Depending on customer requirements, PROSE carries out analyses in parallel to the design process in the own development team or as part of the customer’s team. PROSE also contributes with interdisciplinary know-how to non-railway-specific solutions.
Customer benefit
Qualified simulations reduce the development risk or help to solve problems that have occurred. In addition to a qualified calculation, PROSE attaches great importance to the interpretation and presentation of the results to the customer, including in-depth explanations and the necessary formal documentation relevant to homologation if requested. PROSE can also provide coaching support for simulation processes and act as a neutral consultant. Due to a flexible organisation, PROSE can respond to customer requests at very short notice.
Assessment of the functional requirements, quality and schedule
Development of technical solutions
Establishment and maintenance of a vehicle information system
Technical advice within the framework of the control group
Our approach
First, an assessment of the functional requirements, quality assurance plan and delivery schedule was carried out. Then the requirements for the asset management and reporting system were collected. The system was tendered and evaluated and a suitable supplier was selected. Along with the commissioning of the asset management and reporting systems, the control group that oversees the design, manufacture and commissioning as well as maintenance of the vehicles was commissioned, ensuring long-term value of the assets.
Customer benefit
Reduced risk for the competent authority when procuring the vehicles.
The authority can make correct and targeted decisions thanks to the technical solutions developed by PROSE.
