The RTRI has performed running tests on sharp curves to investigate the phenomenon of flange-climbing. Based on the test results, the RTRI has proposed a method of safety evaluation with respect to preventing the derailment caused by wheel flange-climbing.

Running test on the test line of the RTRI

Measured waveforms of the amount of wheel climbing

The RTRI carries out tests and numerical analyses to clarify the deformation and crashworthiness of rolling stock structural members, and studies the behavior of compression failure of car body structures.

Stainless steel structural member subjected to an impact test

FEM analysis of impact test results

FEM analysis of intermediate joint section

To improve the safety function of rolling stock structures and interior fittings that will mitigate injury to passengers in case a train is subjected to impact in an accident or disaster, the RTRI is implementing computer simulation of passenger behavior at train collision.

Cross seat

Long seat

As car bodies have become lighter, riding comfort has deteriorated due to vertical bending vibration. The RTRI has developed a method of measuring and analyzing this bending vibration, and has clarified the three-dimensional vibration characteristics of car bodies. Based on these results, the RTRI has discussed and proposed measures to improve riding comfort.

An example of measures: method of reducing bending vibration of car body with piezoelectric elements

To establish a method of predicting and reducing railway noise, the RTRI measures the distribution of noise sources in passing trains using a mirror-microphone system with elliptic shape.

Mirror-microphone system and its sensors

The RTRI has developed a device to measure the radio noise and magnetic fields in rolling stock, and has drafted a standard method for such measurements. The RTRI has also developed a method of measuring and evaluating the effect of radio noise on terrestrial digital broadcasts, GPS and other data broadcasting transmissions.

High-sensitivity three-axis photoelectric field sensor developed for rolling stock

The RTRI is now developing simulation technology to investigate the dynamic behavior of vehicle during an earthquake. The RTRI has performed a full-scale experiment of actual truck and half-carbody on a tri-axial vibration test rig.

Full-scale experiment of actual truck

CG animation of simulation

To reduce aerodynamic noise, it is important to identify the sources distribution. The RTRI has analyzed the distribution of aerodynamic noise source strengths around a pantograph head based on numerical simulation of the flow field. This analysis method is helpful for designing a low-noise pantograph.

Schematic drawing of pantograph
	Distribution of aerodynamic noise sources around a pantograph head (instantaneous field)

For visualization of dynamic behavior of overhead contact lines, the RTRI has developed a new observation system with high-speed cameras and anamorphic lenses.

Overhead line shot with an anamorphic lens    (vertical/horizontal magnification ratio 80)