A rapidly deployable rail stress sensor for next generation freight monitoring

随着英国铁路货运的增长，对网络状况的详细实时了解至关重要，并推动了对实时和现场状态监测形式的行业数字化的需求。这也是自动化网络和采用自动驾驶车辆的关键推动因素。在英国，许多现有的路边轨道测量技术（例如，动态称重\[WiM\]和车轮冲击载荷检测器\[WILD\]）价格昂贵，安装耗时，并且是永久性的。因此，采用测量技术来改善服务供应变得越来越重要。一些拟议的数据流无法使用商用技术测量;市场上其他较小的轨道传感器只能提供非常基本的测量（如振动和温度）。有些可以通过应变测量、地磅或人工检查来实现。然而，峰到峰测量解决方案（PktoPk）的解决方案更强大，具有更长的长期稳定性，可快速部署，提供更高的测量频率，并且比任何竞争技术都更便宜/更快地部署。PktoPk提出了一种新的技术，使用安装在坚固夹具中的超声波阵列传感器进行关键测量，该夹具可以快速固定在任何轨距的轨道下。测量将实时进行，并上传到云平台。该解决方案快速、便携、物超所值，同时提供有形、可靠和节省成本的数据。该系统为资产所有者带来的好处包括：缩短拥有时间，减少检查/维护停机时间，并为铁路运营商提供轻松访问以下所有数据流的功能。*动态横向和垂直力（L/V）* 轮轨接触位置和形状 * 轮轨界面刚度 * 轴载/重量（ALM）* 附加“标准”测量（温度/噪音/振动）该项目将利用PktoPk与谢菲尔德大学的密切关系，在那里，知识产权和经营权也是共享的，并将与其他当地合作伙伴合作，在现场铁路环境中向主要铁路利益相关者展示他们的新技术。这一活动也将与一些国际利益攸关方一起播出，他们已经表达了对示威活动的兴奋之情。

As UK rail freight growth increases, a detailed live understanding of the network condition is essential and is driving the need for industry digitalisation in the form of real-time and in-situ condition monitoring. This is also a key enabler of automated networks and the adoption of autonomous vehicles.In the UK many of the existing wayside rail measurement technologies (e.g. Weigh-in-Motion\[WiM\] and Wheel Impact Load Detector \[WILD\]) are expensive, time consuming to install, and permanent. Thus, the adoption of measurement technologies for improving service offerings is becoming increasingly important. Some proposed data streams are unmeasurable using commercially available technologies; other smaller rail sensors on the market only offer very basic measurements (such as vibration and temperature). Some can be achieved through strain gauging, weighbridges or manual inspection. However, Peak to Peak Measurement Solutions (PktoPk)'s solution is more robust, has longer term stability, is rapidly deployable, offers higher measurement frequency and is significantly cheaper/faster to deploy than any of the competing technologies. It builds on similar systems PktoPk have deployed to non-competing industries such as automotive, large marine diesel, and injection moulding.PktoPk proposes a novel technology to take key measurements using an ultrasonic array transducer mounted in a robust clamp that can be rapidly fixed under a rail of any gauge. Measurements will be taken in real-time and uploaded to a cloud platform. This solution is fast, portable and excellent value for money whilst providing tangible, reliable and cost-saving data.The system benefits to asset owners include; reducing possession duration, reducing inspection/maintenance downtime and providing rail operators with easy access to all the data streams listed below.* Dynamic lateral and vertical force (L/V)* Wheel-rail contact position and shape* Wheel-rail interfacial stiffness* Axle load/weight (ALM)* Additional 'standard' measurements (temperature/noise/vibration)The project will utilise PktoPk's close relationship with University of Sheffield, where the IP and right to operate is also shared, and will work with other local partners to create a demonstration of their novel technology to key rail stakeholders in a live rail environment. This event will also be broadcast with some international stakeholders who have already expressed their excitement about the demonstration.