The Joanneum Research research society is involved in the Rail4Future project in Area 2, "Reliable Railway Tracks." One of the focal points is "Condition Monitoring with Smart Assets" - the condition assessment of railway infrastructure.
Measuring Locomotive with High-Tech Equipment
The research group's focus is on recording and analyzing vibration data, as well as equipping a measuring locomotive from Plasser & Theurer with the latest measurement equipment, explains Dr. Grebien, project manager at Joanneum Research. Specialists from Hottinger Brüel & Kjaer are responsible for the vibration sensor technology. Additionally, a line scan camera was installed on the locomotive for data analysis. The vibration sensors and the line scan camera are synchronized in time and location using GNSS sensors to monitor switches and their components.
Signal Processing Chain with Data and Images
Using a signal processing chain, both vibration data in the track and switch areas generated during locomotive runs and high-resolution image material can be evaluated. Extensive measurement runs were carried out, among other places, in Niklasdorf, Styria. "By double integration of the vibration data, a comparison with the longitudinal height profile of the rail can be made. The consistency, quality, and robustness of these data have been positively surprising. Additionally, with the high-resolution vibration data, it is possible to detect even the smallest surface defects," explains Dr. Grebien.
Potential in Predictive Maintenance
The results of this research offer a glimpse into the opportunities presented by digitalization in the railway sector. The interdisciplinary teamwork opens new perspectives. For example, Dr. Grebien points to the area of predictive maintenance. In the "Digital Twin," wear and mechanical damage could be detected in the future before faults occur, presenting significant efficiency potentials for railway infrastructure operators in maintenance.
JOANNEUM RESEARCH
JOANNEUM RESEARCH FORSCHUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH is an innovation and technology provider in the field of applied research in Austria. Approximately 500 employees from over 25 nations work at six locations on solutions and technologies for society, economy, and industry. In a multidisciplinary team, highest societal and scientific standards are upheld within flexible and innovation-friendly structures. The non-university research company, headquartered in Graz, is owned by the federal states of Styria, Carinthia, and Burgenland.
DI Dr. Stefan Grebien
Stefan Grebien is a Senior Scientist at JOANNEUM RESEARCH in the research group for Intelligent Acoustic Solutions, focusing on audio signal processing, predictive maintenance, and audio event classification.