Advanced braking control strategies for trains

The thesis describes modelling methods that are being developed to support the design and evaluation of intelligent railway braking control systems. A particular feature is that the models include higher order vehicle and train dynamics, the effects of which are expected to become important as the performance of braking systems improve. The thesis describes mathematical techniques for modelling braking systems starting with braking of a single wheelset on its own, then a single braked wheelset in a bogie, followed by a single braked wheelset in a complete vehicle and finally four wheelsets braked in a complete vehicle. The mathematical model for the braking system combines the non-linear creep laws governing the braking forces generated between wheel and rail with the suspension dynamics of a typical high speed railway vehicle. [Continues.