Train dynamics

Increasing train speeds, higher axle loads, and the demand for improved efficiency and safety require a deeper understanding of the dynamic behavior of rail vehicles and their interaction with the infrastructure. The study of train dynamics enables the development of advanced modeling and control strategies to optimize ride comfort, reduce wear, and ensure reliable operation under varying conditions. By combining numerical simulation, experimental validation, and system analysis, our research aims to enhance the performance and longevity of modern railway systems. Within this framework, current projects focus on active guidance of rail vehicles and the dynamic interaction between pantograph and catenary.

Contact: Assoc.Prof. Michael Klanner klannernoSpam@tugraz.at

Ongoing projects

Active guidance of rail vehicles

Higher travelling speeds, increasing axle loads and growing demands on operational safety require new approaches in the track guidance of rail vehicles. Conventional passive systems are reaching their limits, especially when it comes to optimising wear and fatigue on wheels and rails. Active steering systems, which adapt the wheelset guidance to different load and operating conditions, can specifically improve wheel-rail interaction. The aim of this work is to systematically investigate the influence of environmental influences and changes to vehicle and rail parameters on the steering parameters and to develop steering strategies that sustainably reduce wear and fatigue regardless of external influences. This significantly increases the service life of the components and reduces operating costs in the long term.

Duration: 01.09.2023 - ongoing

Contact person: DI Lukas Lindbichler lindbichler@tugraz.at

Pantograph–Catenary Interaction

Modern high-speed railway systems rely on a reliable current collection between the pantograph and the overhead catenary. The pantograph, mounted on the train roof, must maintain stable electrical contact despite vertical displacements due to track irregularities or curves. Together, pantograph and catenary form a coupled oscillating system whose dynamic interaction influences current quality, safety, and wear. To ensure standardized validation, EN 50318 defines procedures combining measurements and simulations. The goal of this project is to develop a fully parameterized finite element reference model that meets EN 50318 requirements and enables verification of new simulation methods. By comparing the results with standardized reference data, the model ensures reliable evaluation and validation of future pantograph–catenary simulation approaches.

Duration: 01.11.2025 - ongoing

Contact person: DI Rebecca Prattes prattes@tugraz.at

Master's thesis

Guidelines for Master Theses

Proposals

Dynamic simulation of pantographs and catenary according to EN50318 - Contact: Assoc. Prof. Michael Klanner (michael.klanner@tugraz.at), Ass. Prof. Gian Marco Melito (gmelito@tugraz.at) and Dipl.-Ing. Lukas Lindbichler (lindbichler@tugraz.at)
Development of a statistical surrogate model of a rail wheel contact model - Contact: Ass. Prof. Gian Marco Melito (gmelito@tugraz.at) and Dipl.-Ing. Lukas Lindbichler (lindbichler@tugraz.at)