Automated Measurement of Traction Line Parameters for Railways

Abstract

In Slovakia, various rail track segments are being rebuilt due to increased railroad speed and safety standards. Assembly wagons were fitted with an automated measurement device to assess the condition and geometry of the traction lines. The theory behind measuring fundamental traction line parameters like line height and stagger is discussed in this book chapter, along with the development of a measurement electronic device with appropriate sensors and a LabVIEW application for evaluating measured data and controlling and interacting with the electronic device. The Railways Research and Development Institute at Vrútky (Slovakia) is where the system was tested and put into use. This work also demonstrates effective and robust collaboration between the academic environment and praxis. The possibilities of using LabVIEW in industrial applications and its cooperation with the developed measuring device will be presented in this book chapter. The possibilities of communication of the device with the developed software and various methods of algorithm design using several structures found in the LabVIEW development environment will be presented.