Rail Simulation: Efficient Freight Operations Unveiled
Delve beyond the tracks and unveil your path to rail safety, reliability and sustainability through aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics simulation.
The future of rail freight is not just about transporting goods; it’s about doing so with greater safety and efficiency. As rail networks expand, the need for precision in managing these operations grows more urgent. By 2050, freight traffic is projected to reach 13,800 trains daily1, introducing new complexities that require a comprehensive understanding of every component within the system.
The recent Rail Safety Report2 from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has raised alarms about the rise in safety incidents and derailments in the rail industry. This worrisome trend not only jeopardizes public safety but also undermines the reliability of freight services and the environmental benefits that rail transport offers. As a result, railway operators are under immense pressure to implement digital strategies that ensure uninterrupted services, reduce costs and reinforce rail sustainability. Striking this balance is critical for the long-term success of every rail freight company. But how can this be achieved?
The answer lies in advanced simulation technologies. By harnessing rail simulation software, rail freight operators can gain deeper insights into their operations when testing and validating railway running characteristics in the design phase. This benefit enables them to anticipate, predict and prevent operational risks while considering existing rail networks and environmental factors, such as ground shape and natural disasters, with unmatched accuracy.
This scientific approach – driven by virtual twin technology – offers a path to reliable, safer and more sustainable freight operations, ensuring that the railways of today and tomorrow meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
The Future of Rail Freight in a Flash
Explore what aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics simulation can do simultaneously to deliver safer, fuel-efficient rail freight operations.
Rail Simulation Software Takes Center Stage
The winning combination of rail aerodynamics simulation and vehicle dynamic simulation solutions powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform offers rail companies a game-changing advantage. This simulation strategy transforms how safety, reliability and sustainability are managed across the railway system. Solutions like the SIMULIA Simpack Rail Modules for multibody system simulation of rail-guided systems and PowerFLOW for aerodynamic flow simulations push beyond the limits of traditional rail testing, providing advanced digital 3D models and virtual simulations capable of addressing the most intricate operational challenges.
Rail Freight Vehicle Dynamics Simulation
This solution supports rail operators with effective rail safety management by addressing key risks in freight rail dynamics through three key simulation workflows: Derailment/rollover, emergency braking and critical speed analyses. When combined with virtual homologation, these simulations become essential tools to enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of rail freight operations while meeting industry requirements and EN standards such as EN14363 and EN 15839.
Rail Freight Aerodynamics Simulation
Aerodynamics simulation for rail freight empowers engineers to reduce fuel costs and consumption by easily testing unlimited rail configurations and exploring the most fuel-efficient designs through the reduction of aerodynamic drag. With this analytical approach, rail operators can make informed decisions that drive both overall operational performance and fuel efficiency, contributing to lower carbon emissions.
Beyond the Rails: Simulation Strategies That Work
Download this ebook to dive into critical rail freight issues and learn how aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics advanced simulation capabilities can provide high-precision virtual testing and validation solutions.
Safer Trips With Rail Vehicle Dynamics Simulation
Take the first step toward safer rail operations. Simulate real-world conditions such as sharp turns or adverse weather to assess derailment and rollover risks well before each trip begins.
Optimize Drag for Fuel Efficiency With Rail Freight Aerodynamics
Leverage aerodynamics simulation to analyze aerodynamic forces and design fuel-efficient and optimized trains for rolling stock’s drag reduction and cost efficiency.
Simulate Complex Physics, Multi-Body Modeling Scenarios
Set a new benchmark for rail efficiency by seamlessly performing aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics simulations. Stay ahead of longitudinal forces and derailment risks with what-if scenarios and remarkable precision.
Realize the Path to Reliable Rail Operations
The true power of these aerodynamics simulation and vehicle dynamics simulation solutions emerges from their seamless integration within a single source of truth. The collaborative environment of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform fosters real-time transparency, empowering rail company stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions during the design phase or quickly react in the reaction phase in the event of an emergency following an accident.
These advanced solutions enable rail operators to simulate real-world scenarios and face unexpected challenges while enhancing performance and cutting costs. By investing in these groundbreaking railway simulation solutions, operators can illuminate their path to success, meet their safety and sustainability KPIs, and cultivate lasting customer trust. Ready to transform the tracks?
Rail Freight Simulation: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, aerodynamic drag is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in the rail industry, particularly in the context of fuel efficiency. Aerodynamic drag directly impacts a freight train's fuel consumption because more energy is needed to overcome air resistance. As fuel costs represent around 20% of a train's overall energy consumption, reducing drag can lead to substantial fuel savings. By employing advanced simulation solutions like PowerFLOW, rail operators not only improve fuel efficiency but also reduce their carbon footprint.
Advanced simulation strategies are imperative in managing accidents on the railways. With SIMULIA Simpack, for instance, engineers can reduce risks by modeling the rail vehicle dynamics under varying operational conditions – such as sharp turns or adverse weather – to study the derailment and rollover risks and mitigate potential incidents. Beyond improving emergency protocols, this simulation-driven approach also supports simulation-aided maintenance, accident investigations and warranty or misuse case analyses, offering effective and crucial insights into real-world safety challenges.
1Source: “Rail 2040: Scenarios and CEO Agenda” by Arthur D. Little (August 2023)
2Source: “Rail Safety Report 2022-2023” by Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (January 2024)