Simple Models for Longitudinal Train Dynamics

Simulink Models to match : Chapter 6 of " Design and Simulation of Rail Vehicles " 2014, Taylor and Francis

Models are provided to allow a basic understanding of Longitudinal Train Dynamics. Modelling takes the enquiry up to the modelling of three vehicle trains with linear couplings. Simplified air braking is added using simple Simulink blocks: Simulink "Transport Delay" and "Low Pass Filters" to approximate brake cylinder response directly. The user is advised that the mass coupling model, although simplified, is a 'white box' model, whilst the brake modelling is an approximation and does not propose to model the underlying processes. The brake modelling should be regarded as 'black box' and the user should tune parameters to desired responses. Both mass and brake models can be expanded out to longer trains. The models are intended a learning tool rather than a train simulation product. Actual train simulation of real trains will usually include non-linear wagon mass connections and a much more complex and non-linear brake model. Those interested are referred to:

1. Spiryagin, M., Cole, Sun Y.Q., McClanachan, M., Spiryagin, V., McSweeney, T.,(2014), Design and simulation of rail vehicles, Ground Vehicle Engineering Series, CRC Press, ISBN 978-146-657- 566-0.
2. Spiryagin, M., Wolfs, P., Cole, C., Spiryagin, V., Sun Y.Q., McSweeney, T.,(2017), Design and simulation of Heavy Haul Locomotives and Trains, Ground Vehicle Engineering Series, CRC Press, ISBN 978-1-4987-3352- 6.
3. Cole, C. (2006), Longitudinal Train Dynamics , Handbook of Railway Vehicle Dynamics, Ch 9, pp. 239-277, CRC Press, Boca Ranton, Florida, USA., ISBN 0 8493 3321 0.
4. Cole, C. (2019), Longitudinal Train Dynamics , Handbook of Railway Vehicle Dynamics, Ch 13, pp. 457-520, CRC Press, Boca Ranton, Florida, USA., ISBN 978-1-1386-0285-4.