A Digital Test Bench for Pneumatic Brakes

Abstract: This master’s thesis covers the structuring and implementation of a digital testbench for the air brake system of freight trains. The test bench will serveto further improve the existing brake models at Transrail Sweden AB. Theseare used for the optimised calculation of train speed profiles by the DriverAdvisory System CATO. This work is based on the research of the technicalbackground, as well as the methodical approach to physical modelling anda modular implementation of the test bench. It gives full flexibility for thesimulation of customised train configurations using the European UIC brakesystem. Train length and vehicle arrangement can be adapted to the user’sspecific needs. For example, the test bench could be used for the simulation ofa train with distributed power. The system parameters are stored in a vehiclelibrary for the convenient generation of train configurations. This vehiclelibrary is freely expandable.The simulation is based on an equivalent electric circuit model which iscompleted with nozzle flow modelling. This model involves monitoring themain pipe, brake cylinder and reservoir pressure. Linear approximation is usedto obtain braking forces for the individual wagons and for the whole train. Thedepiction of the brake system behaviour is mostly accurate in the operationalscenarios, which is validated with measurement data. Additional calibrationis required for further reduction of the simulation errors and an extension ofthe model’s domain of validity. The test bench is developed by incrementaland iterative modelling and prepared for further improvements and variations,for example the adaption to the American AAR system variant.The presented work can also be used as a basis for similar implementationssuch as driving simulators. The methods are transferable to other applicationsof modular simulation.