french institute of science and technology for transport ... - Ifsttar

3_APPLICATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS, TIES WITH INDUSTRY AND EXPERT APPRAISALS
Rail
VOCO track simulation
software
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Rail operators and rolling stock manufacturers have
asked IFSTTAR to solve some mechanical problems
which may present dangers for track-guided transport
systems such as instability, derailment, overturning,
vibrational discomfort and rail fatigue caused by axle
passages.
The Institute possesses a set of software packages that
are very appropriate for this type of work, VOCO (Cars on a
bend). This has been developed since 1987 using effective
formalisms developed by IFSTTAR researchers. Its principle
field of application is, of course, rail transport, but it can be extended
to any track-guided system. In order to satisfy the new
requests, the theoretical aspects of a multibody approach have
been consolidated by the use of a test bench and comparisons
with industrial tests, different formalisms, which are effective
and novel, have been developed by the researchers such as
the transformed curve or the wheel-rail contact patch under
semi-hertzian conditions. Naturally, the main criteria remain
Transverse deformations (amplified 500 times) of the rail
on a tight bend during the passage of a locomotive.
robustness and computing speed, achieved by concentrating
on detailed nonlinear modelling of key points. The most recent
version includes a flexible nonlinear cyclical multibody track
that was developed as part of the FCE MER project.
The INRETS–LCPC merger gave the GRETTIA Modelling and
Simulation group the opportunity to set up new synergies in
the context of this research project.
VOCO is a registered trademark owned by IFSTTAR. The software
is currently distributed by the RATP. The creation of the
Railénium IRT will also provide an opportunity for enhancing
cooperation with the UTC and industry.
@ CONTACT
hugues.chollet@ifsttar.fr
Version 2 of IREVE
Exploiting road images
+
d’infos
Find out more about
IREVE at
http://ireve.imagerieroutiere.fr
In 2011 IFSTTAR certified version 2 of IREVE (1) , which
is a software platform for exploiting the images collected
by the mlpc® IRCAN 2 device.
The IREVE road imaging platform is a modular software
package for both operational and research applications.
It is able to collect information and make measurements that
improve our knowledge of the road stock (additions to the
ISIMAGE databank held by the SÉTRA) and help improve road
safety (the “road shoulder obstacle” index).
The images of a route are plotted on a curvilinear abscissa and
georeferenced. They can then be assembled and synchronized,
(1) Road imaging calibration visualization operation.
which provides a way of dealing with interchanges, two-way
roads and navigation fixes. The working environment can be
configured at will to facilitate the addition of any type of object
to the road environment (signing, equipment, ancillaries).
As the IRCAN2 acquisition system has been calibrated, the
images can be used to make dimensional measurements in the
plane of the carriageway (lane width, distance from obstacles).
The modular nature of the software platform means that it can
receive tools developed during research, for example for automated
data input (automatic detection and recognition of road
signs and markings) and measurements using 3D stereovision.
IREVE is being developed by the Angers CECP in partnership
with the LRPCs in Strasbourg (IFSTTAR ERA No. 27),
Bordeaux, Angers and Rouen in addition to the SÉTRA. It
has been available from the Angers CECP and VECTRA since
2007.
@ CONTACTS
eric.dumont@ifsttar.fr
valerie.muzet@developpement-durable.gouv.fr
A screenshot from Irene2 showing the inputting of traffic
signs and width measurements.
ifsttar French Institute of Science and Technology for Transport, Development and Networks