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Major Results of Research and Development in Fiscal 2019

This publication is a collection of the major results obtained from research undertaken by the Japanese public body, the Railway Technology Research Institute, in 2019.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all JR companies in particular and all the research centers, universities, industrial partners and other entities which have offered their cooperation, commitment and support to achieve these results and without whom none of this work would have been possible.

Ⅰ. Improvement of Safety

1. A blinking light detection method for obstruction warning signals by image processing

  • We have developed a blinking light detection method for obstruction warning signals to support a driver.
  • The method enables the blinking light of obstruction warning signals to detect at distances of up to 600 meters.
  • The method uses a high-speed pattern matching algorithm to enable real-time detection.
  • We have developed a blinking light detection method for obstruction warning signals to support a driver.
  • The method enables the blinking light of obstruction warning signals to detect at distances of up to 600 meters.
  • The method uses a high-speed pattern matching algorithm to enable real-time detection.

2. Crashworthiness evaluation index for carbody structure in railway accidents at level crossings

  • An integrated deceleration value has been proposed as a crashworthiness evaluation index for carbody structures contributing to a reduction of injuries to passengers during accidents.
  • It was confirmed that the correlation coefficient between the proposed index and the seriousness of injury was higher than that of American and European indices.
  • An integrated deceleration value has been proposed as a crashworthiness evaluation index for carbody structures contributing to a reduction of injuries to passengers during accidents.
  • It was confirmed that the correlation coefficient between the proposed index and the seriousness of injury was higher than that of American and European indices.

3. Prevention of pedestrian entry while a level crossing warning is sounding by means of a voice message and changing the timing of crossing gate closing

  • A voice message and a method of controlling level crossing rods that has proved effective in preventing pedestrians from traversing a crossing immediately before a passing train have been proposed.
  • Experiments were conducted to confirm that traversing the track by pedestrians immediately before a train passed through was reduced by 25% by adding a voice message to the warning sound and by 64% by starting to close the level crossing gates earlier.
  • A voice message and a method of controlling level crossing rods that has proved effective in preventing pedestrians from traversing a crossing immediately before a passing train have been proposed.
  • Experiments were conducted to confirm that traversing the track by pedestrians immediately before a train passed through was reduced by 25% by adding a voice message to the warning sound and by 64% by starting to close the level crossing gates earlier.

4. Method of identifying resonant bridges by on-board measurement

  • A method of using on-board measurement to identify resonant bridges in which significant vibration is generated when a train passes over them has been developed.
  • As no in-situ measurement is required, resonant bridges can be identified quickly along the entire route.
  • A method of using on-board measurement to identify resonant bridges in which significant vibration is generated when a train passes over them has been developed.
  • As no in-situ measurement is required, resonant bridges can be identified quickly along the entire route.

5. Detection by displacement sensor of damage to bridge bearing parts after earthquake

  • A method to determine whether to resume operation after an earthquake taking the amount of slip-out of rubber bearing and train speed has been proposed.
  • To minimize a time for inspections after an earthquake, displacement sensor system to remotely detect slip-out amount has been developed.
  • A method to determine whether to resume operation after an earthquake taking the amount of slip-out of rubber bearing and train speed has been proposed.
  • To minimize a time for inspections after an earthquake, displacement sensor system to remotely detect slip-out amount has been developed.

6. Seismic retrofitting method at bridge connections

  • A seismic retrofitting method has been developed for the connection of bridges to support girders having different heights.
  • It has been confirmed that proof strength is improved to 1.5 times better than that prior to reinforcement.
  • A seismic retrofitting method has been developed for the connection of bridges to support girders having different heights.
  • It has been confirmed that proof strength is improved to 1.5 times better than that prior to reinforcement.

7. Method to detect DC high-resistance ground fault accompanied by high current arc

  • A method to detect a DC high-resistance ground fault with high current atmospheric arc discharge more than 1,000 amperes, within around 5 seconds, has been developed.
  • The method uses only monitoring of feeding current at substation and does not require any additional trackside installations such as protective wires and discharging devices.
  • A method to detect a DC high-resistance ground fault with high current atmospheric arc discharge more than 1,000 amperes, within around 5 seconds, has been developed.
  • The method uses only monitoring of feeding current at substation and does not require any additional trackside installations such as protective wires and discharging devices.

8. Compound Catenary for preventing break of contact wires at insulated overlaps

  • A compound catenary, with attached an additional wire by using clamp on a contact wire of simple catenary, was developed to prevent the break of the contact wire at insulated overlaps.
  • Through field test, it was confirmed that excessive contact loss and excessive wear of contact wires were not occurred.
  • A compound catenary, with attached an additional wire by using clamp on a contact wire of simple catenary, was developed to prevent the break of the contact wire at insulated overlaps.
  • Through field test, it was confirmed that excessive contact loss and excessive wear of contact wires were not occurred.

Ⅱ. Cost Reduction

9. Low-cost and labor-saving lubricating oil analyzerfor driving equipments

  • A lubricating oil analyzer has been developed to enable the measurement of the concentration of iron powder in oil for driving equipments in a short time, which reduces the cost of doing so to less than one-fifth that of conventional methods.
  • As it is compact and easy to use, it is possible to diagnose the condition of equipment by analyzing the concentration of iron powder in oil in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.
  • A lubricating oil analyzer has been developed to enable the measurement of the concentration of iron powder in oil for driving equipments in a short time, which reduces the cost of doing so to less than one-fifth that of conventional methods.
  • As it is compact and easy to use, it is possible to diagnose the condition of equipment by analyzing the concentration of iron powder in oil in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.

10. Method to design and manage ballasted tracks equivalent to an increase in the spacing of sleepers

  • A method to design and manage ballasted tracks has been proposed equivalent to an increase in the spacing of sleepers in regional railways.
  • The spacing of sleepers can be determined according to the maintenance system in the section.
  • A method to design and manage ballasted tracks has been proposed equivalent to an increase in the spacing of sleepers in regional railways.
  • The spacing of sleepers can be determined according to the maintenance system in the section.

11. Ballast soundness inspection method using sound characteristics

  • The factors that cause crushing and refining of ballast have been clarified.
  • A method has been developed to evaluate the state of deterioration using sound transmitted through the ballast.
  • Inspection costs can be reduced by 70% compared to the conventional method.
  • The factors that cause crushing and refining of ballast have been clarified.
  • A method has been developed to evaluate the state of deterioration using sound transmitted through the ballast.
  • Inspection costs can be reduced by 70% compared to the conventional method.

12. Visual inspection support system for structures utilizing 3D images

  • A visual inspection support system has been developed to generate three-dimensional images of structures.
  • The system can support to detect a damage and evaluate its progress by comparing images from different inspection timings.
  • A visual inspection support system has been developed to generate three-dimensional images of structures.
  • The system can support to detect a damage and evaluate its progress by comparing images from different inspection timings.

13. Antiseismic reinforcement design method for existing embankments by slope protection work and soil reinforcement

  • A design method for the antiseismic reinforcement of embankments has been proposed by evaluating the water shielding effect and the joining effect with soil reinforcement installed for slope protection work for existing embankments.
  • The cost of reinforcement work can be reduced by 5 to 10% compared to that for an embankment designed using conventional design methods.
  • A design method for the antiseismic reinforcement of embankments has been proposed by evaluating the water shielding effect and the joining effect with soil reinforcement installed for slope protection work for existing embankments.
  • The cost of reinforcement work can be reduced by 5 to 10% compared to that for an embankment designed using conventional design methods.

14. Overhead contact line measurement device using 3D measurement and image analysis

  • A contactless 3D measurement device has been developed for overhead contact line facilities.
  • Residual diameter can be determined with an accuracy of +/-0.1 mm by means of the developed contact wire wear measuring method using a light-section method.
  • The data obtained by both methods can be utilized for high-precision measurement and the automatic diagnosis of an overhead contact line facility.
  • A contactless 3D measurement device has been developed for overhead contact line facilities.
  • Residual diameter can be determined with an accuracy of +/-0.1 mm by means of the developed contact wire wear measuring method using a light-section method.
  • The data obtained by both methods can be utilized for high-precision measurement and the automatic diagnosis of an overhead contact line facility.

15. Useful life evaluation method for electronic equipment of wayside signalling systems

  • A new useful life evaluation method for electronic equipment of wayside signalling systems has been developed that takes into consideration the operational stress caused by energization as well as the environmental stress caused by temperature and humidity.
  • With this method, equipment updates can be scheduled at a proper timing based on the usage environment.
  • A new useful life evaluation method for electronic equipment of wayside signalling systems has been developed that takes into consideration the operational stress caused by energization as well as the environmental stress caused by temperature and humidity.
  • With this method, equipment updates can be scheduled at a proper timing based on the usage environment.

16. Support system to determine the signal arrangement

  • A support system has been developed to determine the signal arrangement, by means of which it is possible to calculate the signal aspect system and headway immediately.
  • As both the signal aspect transition system and the headway can be evaluated using this system, efficiency in the review process for the signal arrangement can be improved significantly.
  • A support system has been developed to determine the signal arrangement, by means of which it is possible to calculate the signal aspect system and headway immediately.
  • As both the signal aspect transition system and the headway can be evaluated using this system, efficiency in the review process for the signal arrangement can be improved significantly.

Ⅲ. Harmonization with the Environment

17. High Performance Fuel Cell Hybrid Railway Vehicle

  • A fuel cell hybrid railway vehicle with an acceleration performance equivalent to electric motive units has been developed by increasing power capacity of fuel cells and storage batteries.
  • Passengers’ space was secured by mounting the fuel cells and the power converter under the vehicle floor.
  • A fuel cell hybrid railway vehicle with an acceleration performance equivalent to electric motive units has been developed by increasing power capacity of fuel cells and storage batteries.
  • Passengers’ space was secured by mounting the fuel cells and the power converter under the vehicle floor.

18. Method to improve efficiency of electromagnetic compatibility tests for railway vehicle

  • The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test essential for commercial use of newly produced and remodeled vehicles has been improved.
  • Measuring instrument capable of measuring four frequencies at once has been developed.
  • The time required for an EMC test can be halved thanks to the revised running conditions and the new measuring instrument.
  • The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test essential for commercial use of newly produced and remodeled vehicles has been improved.
  • Measuring instrument capable of measuring four frequencies at once has been developed.
  • The time required for an EMC test can be halved thanks to the revised running conditions and the new measuring instrument.

19. Three-stage train nose shape for micro-pressure wave reduction

  • The effectiveness of a multistage train nose shape for micro-pressure wave reduction has been made clear by acoustic theory.
  • A multistage train nose shape of an axis-symmetrical configuration was designed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), it was confirmed that the micro-pressure wave was reduced by about 5% by a multistage train nose shape compared to a train nose design based on the previous theory in model experiments.
  • The effectiveness of a multistage train nose shape for micro-pressure wave reduction has been made clear by acoustic theory.
  • A multistage train nose shape of an axis-symmetrical configuration was designed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), it was confirmed that the micro-pressure wave was reduced by about 5% by a multistage train nose shape compared to a train nose design based on the previous theory in model experiments.

20. Aerodynamic noise-reduction measure and average lift force compensation mechanism for a Shinkansen pantograph

  • A multi-segment smooth-shaped pantograph head and a low-noise head support have been developed and confirmed to have an aerodynamic noise reduction effect of 2.7 dB.
  • An average lift force compensation mechanism has been developed to suppress the variations in average lift force to about one-fourth that of conventional mechanisms.
  • A multi-segment smooth-shaped pantograph head and a low-noise head support have been developed and confirmed to have an aerodynamic noise reduction effect of 2.7 dB.
  • An average lift force compensation mechanism has been developed to suppress the variations in average lift force to about one-fourth that of conventional mechanisms.

21. Demonstration of a superconducting feeder system function for commercial lines

  • A running test using a test car was conducted by connecting a superconducting feeder system to the feeder of a commercial line in parallel.
  • The test demonstrated that voltage drop was reduced and the superconducting feeder system could be disconnected smoothly without interfering with a running train.
  • A running test using a test car was conducted by connecting a superconducting feeder system to the feeder of a commercial line in parallel.
  • The test demonstrated that voltage drop was reduced and the superconducting feeder system could be disconnected smoothly without interfering with a running train.

Ⅳ. Improvement of Convenience

22. Rubber bush to suppress vibration transmission between bogie and carbody

  • A rubber bush for single links and yaw dampers has been developed to reduce vibration transmission from bogies.
  • A reduction in carbody vibration by more than 3 dB was achieved in running tests and bench tests.
  • The cost is almost the same as current parts and it is replaceable with the existing rubber bush.
  • A rubber bush for single links and yaw dampers has been developed to reduce vibration transmission from bogies.
  • A reduction in carbody vibration by more than 3 dB was achieved in running tests and bench tests.
  • The cost is almost the same as current parts and it is replaceable with the existing rubber bush.

23. Re-adhesion control by detection system indicating current difference and acceleration for 1-inverter/4-motor vehicle

  • A re-adhesion control method combining current difference detection and acceleration detection has been designed for 1-inverter/4-motor system electric railcars, of which there are a large number of vehicles.
  • Due to the decrease in torque reduction after detection of wheel slip, the average acceleration was improved by about 5%.
  • A re-adhesion control method combining current difference detection and acceleration detection has been designed for 1-inverter/4-motor system electric railcars, of which there are a large number of vehicles.
  • Due to the decrease in torque reduction after detection of wheel slip, the average acceleration was improved by about 5%.

24. Method to extract points susceptible to ground vibration increase due to train speed increase

  • A method to extract the combination of ground conditions and structure characteristics that may increase ground vibration larger than other conditions has been proposed.
  • By adding a new vibration characteristics model of a structure to a conventional model of vibration amplification characteristics of the ground, the points susceptible to ground vibration increase can be assessed without detailed numerical analysis.
  • A method to extract the combination of ground conditions and structure characteristics that may increase ground vibration larger than other conditions has been proposed.
  • By adding a new vibration characteristics model of a structure to a conventional model of vibration amplification characteristics of the ground, the points susceptible to ground vibration increase can be assessed without detailed numerical analysis.

Ⅴ. Basic Research

25. Impact-enegy absorption structure to suppress deformation of an aluminum alloy carbody structure in a collision

  • A new design for a replaceable impact-energy absorption structure to be attached to the head car made of aluminum alloy has been proposed.
  • This structure suppresses the deformation of a carbody structure in the event of a grade crossing accident, and shortens the time for restoration of the carbody.
  • A new design for a replaceable impact-energy absorption structure to be attached to the head car made of aluminum alloy has been proposed.
  • This structure suppresses the deformation of a carbody structure in the event of a grade crossing accident, and shortens the time for restoration of the carbody.

26. Wheel-rail rolling contact simulation to clarify deterioration by braking

  • A method to analyze rolling contact between a wheel and a rail has been developed to evaluate the thermal stress and plastic deformation, which is necessary to clarify causes of deterioration such as hollow wear and wheel flats.
  • By comparative verification with braking test results, it was confirmed that the rise in wheel temperature could be reproduced within an error of 10%.
  • A method to analyze rolling contact between a wheel and a rail has been developed to evaluate the thermal stress and plastic deformation, which is necessary to clarify causes of deterioration such as hollow wear and wheel flats.
  • By comparative verification with braking test results, it was confirmed that the rise in wheel temperature could be reproduced within an error of 10%.

27. Clarification of growth mechanism and evolution process of rail corrugation

  • It has been clarified that there are four anti-resonance phenomena governing the growth factor of rail corrugation.
  • It also has been clarified that the evolution process of rail corrugation includes formation period, growth period and saturation period.
  • It has been clarified that there are four anti-resonance phenomena governing the growth factor of rail corrugation.
  • It also has been clarified that the evolution process of rail corrugation includes formation period, growth period and saturation period.

28. Damage process of an embankment during an earthquake

  • It has been clarified that the damage state of an embankment up until its collapse due to earthquake.
  • By comparing the shear strain generated around the toe of an embankment and the deformation characteristics of the embankment material, the damage to the embankment can be evaluated.
  • It has been clarified that the damage state of an embankment up until its collapse due to earthquake.
  • By comparing the shear strain generated around the toe of an embankment and the deformation characteristics of the embankment material, the damage to the embankment can be evaluated.

29. Three-dimensional simulation method of overhead contact lines and pantograph dynamic interaction

  • Three-dimensional simulation method of overhead contact lines and pantograph dynamic interaction has been developed.
  • The behavior of overhead contact lines and a pantograph in a curved section of track and a crossing section, which were impossible to estimate previously, can now be estimated.
  • The influence of cross wind and temperature change on the current collection performance can also be evaluated.
  • Three-dimensional simulation method of overhead contact lines and pantograph dynamic interaction has been developed.
  • The behavior of overhead contact lines and a pantograph in a curved section of track and a crossing section, which were impossible to estimate previously, can now be estimated.
  • The influence of cross wind and temperature change on the current collection performance can also be evaluated.

・Ⅲ.17,Ⅲ.21 received funding from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
・Ⅰ.2 is collaborative research with Osaka University.
・Ⅰ.3 is collaborative research with Nippon Signal Co., Ltd..
・Ⅰ.4 is collaborative research with Polytechnic University of Milan.
・Ⅰ.5 is collaborative research with MIRAIT Corporation.
・Ⅱ.10 is collaborative research with Kyushu University and Yokohama National University.
・Ⅱ.12 is collaborative research with Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd..
・Ⅱ.14 is collaborative research with Meidensha Corporation.
・Ⅲ.19 is collaborative research with Deutsche Bahn AG.
・Ⅴ.26 is collaborative research with The University of Tokyo.
・Ⅴ.28 is collaborative research with Kobe University.

Major Results of Research and Development