Train and rail test facilities
Themes: Structural Engineering
Why?
Dutch railway lines are intensively used. The catenary/pantograph and wheel/rail interfaces are critical areas where wear and fatigue occur. Innovations are necessary, but can only be applied after extensive and realistic testing. Our unique test facilities enable this.
How?
Besides an actual test-train, we have a 1:7 scale circular track over which 4 wheels are driven, simulating train behaviour with speeds up to 280 km/h, monitored with high precision. Another full-scale setup simulates the effect of the pantograph on the catenary for an existing or newly designed section of railway.
Joris van Dijk MSc