Dynamic Future for Railway Research Team
by RRUKA Secretariat
http://rruka.org.uk/ Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:58:00 GMT
The Rail Technology Unit (RTU), a specialist vehicle dynamics and wheel-rail interaction team from Manchester Metropolitan University has moved to the University of Huddersfield (UoH) where they are joining UoH colleagues to form a new research institute. The Institute of Railway Research (IRR) is based in the School of Computing and Engineering and brings together the RTU team’s core skills with those of UoH in areas such as intelligent condition monitoring, high performance computing and precision manufacturing. The IRR will be led by Simon Iwnicki, Professor of Railway Engineering, who is also the academic co-chair of RRUKA. Speaking about the formation of the new institute, Prof. Iwnicki said, “I am delighted by the level of support we have received from the University of Huddersfield which will allow us to build on our previous successes and increase the breadth and depth of the research we carry out for the industry”. He continues, “We are privileged to have a brand new, purpose built laboratory and office suite at the University, combined with a team who have a wealth of railway engineering experience”.
The IRR undertakes railway research which supports the sustainable mobility agenda, with a particular focus on rail vehicle dynamic performance and wheel-rail interface optimisation. Current projects include a range of European 7th Framework Programme collaborations covering aspects of European interoperability, virtual homologation and increasing the sustainability, competitiveness and safety of rail freight. Other research is investigating wheel damage mechanisms, development of track alignment faults and development of lightweight vehicle components. The IRR also work closely with a wide range industry partners including RSSB, Network Rail, London Underground and TATA Steel on a variety of R&D and industry problem solving assignments. The IRR’s Head of Enterprise Adam Bevan notes that, “we also carry out work for many light rail and metro operators who typically face different wheel-rail interface management problems to heavy rail operators. Solving these can help to improve operating safety, increase reliability and reduce costs”. The IRR plans to expand its research to support current and emerging challenges faced by the industry. IRR Assistant Director Julian Stow predicts a bright future, “Government has set the industry some clear challenges in terms of reducing costs and enhancing sustainability and service. Having an engaged and active railway research capability will be essential to achieving these.”
Read the story on the Rail Research UK website: http://rruka.org.uk/member-news/dynamic-future-for-railway-research-team/
