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

Douglas, Heather; Weston, Paul; Kirkwood, David; Hillmansen, Stuart; Roberts, Clive

Abstract

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.

Citation

Douglas, H., Weston, P., Kirkwood, D., Hillmansen, S., & Roberts, C. (2017). Method for validating the train motion equations used for passenger rail vehicle simulation. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 231(4), 455-469. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954409716631784

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 19, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Feb 15, 2016
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Mar 25, 2025
• Journal: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit
• Print ISSN: 0954-4097
• Electronic ISSN: 2041-3017
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 231
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 455-469
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0954409716631784
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3739927