Railway Trains
Articles tagged with Railway Trains
Transportation noise: An overlooked risk to heart health
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
Carbon footprint of conference travel
Researchers at ISTA quantify the environmental impact of international conference travel, finding that train travel can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The study shows that traveling to an overseas conference generates a substantial carbon footprint of four to five tons per participant.
Some like it hot: composite metal foam proves resilient against high stresses at high temperatures
Researchers found that composite metal foam can withstand repeated heavy loads even at temperatures of 400 and 600 degrees Celsius. The material's high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for applications such as aircraft wings, vehicle armor, and nuclear power technologies.
PSU research shows Portland transit-oriented developments reduce car trips, especially at affordable housing sites
A new study by Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) reveals that transit-oriented developments (TODs) in the Portland metro area generate significantly fewer car trips than previously estimated. At affordable housing sites, car trips were reduced to only a quarter to two-fifths of expected rates.
Stepping for digital rewards
A study found that users who exchanged daily walking steps for digital train tickets increased their walking by an average of 626.2 steps/day. Those using shopping coupon incentives walked 715.2 steps/day more on average than non-users. The results suggest effective promotion of active travel through well-designed mHealth apps.
Study finds dramatic boost in air quality from electrifying railways
A new study found that electrifying the Caltrain commuter rail line reduced riders' exposure to black carbon by an average of 89%, cutting excess cancer deaths by 51 per 1 million people. The study's findings support the case for electrifying U.S. rail systems, which still rely on old diesel locomotives.
Incheon National University develops advanced communication technology for faster, reliable 5G and 6G networks
Researchers at Incheon National University have developed a new AI-powered solution to improve high-speed users' connectivity in 5G and 6G networks. The method significantly reduces errors and improves data reliability by prioritizing key parameters such as angles and delays.
Could the Summerville ghost lantern be an earthquake light?
If the Summerville phenomenon is an earthquake light, it might be that shallow earthquakes in the area released water-soluble gases like radon or methane, which were then ignited by static electricity or rock movement. Gas detectors could potentially test this hypothesis.
WVU engineer protects mining equipment operators from fatal accidents with high-tech training headsets that visualize blind spots
A WVU researcher creates an augmented reality training program to enhance miners' awareness of blind spots and ability to identify hazards. The training technology uses visualizations to project blind spots directly onto the trainee operator's surroundings, reducing fatalities and injuries in the mining industry.
Finding the weak points: New method to prevent train delay cascades
Researchers identified critical trains that significantly transfer delays to subsequent services, known as 'influencer trains'. Adding new train services or replacing sharing rolling stock can reduce overall delays by up to 40%.
Switching planes for trains to decarbonise the great British getaway
A new study suggests that a significant proportion of UK holiday flights could be replaced with rail travel, resulting in substantial reductions in carbon emissions. The researchers found that most British people do not travel far for their holidays, making rail a viable alternative for short-haul flights.
AMS Science Preview: “Hangover” currents, bird nest forecasting, rain & trains
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
New findings: East Palestine train derailment caused chemical pollution falling to the earth surface across the US and beyond
A new study reveals that the East Palestine train accident released inorganic pollutants into the atmosphere, which were found in precipitation across a large geographical area covering at least 16 states. The pollutants also reached southern Canada and North Carolina, posing significant risks to aquatic flora and fauna.
Is a train’s risk of derailment affected by its length?
A new study published in Risk Analysis found that longer freight trains are more likely to derail compared to shorter trains. The research, which analyzed US freight train accidents between 2013-2022, showed a 24% higher risk for 200-car trains.
Longer freight trains have a higher risk of derailment, new study shows
A new study published in Risk Analysis has found that longer freight trains are more likely to experience derailments, with a 100-car train being over twice as likely to derail than a 50-car train. This increase in risk could lead to higher rates of accidents and greater safety concerns for the rail transport system.
Coal train pollution increases health risks and disparities
A new study from the University of California, Davis found that coal train pollution has significant health effects disproportionately impacting communities of color and low-income populations. The study estimates that six additional deaths may occur annually among exposed populations under severe scenarios.
WVU researcher works to fast-track traditional research methods for quantum discoveries
A WVU researcher is developing new methods to fast-track the discovery of quantum materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields like quantum computing and superconductors. The goal is to streamline the discovery process using computational and experimental tools.
Advancing intelligent railway systems: GNSS-based applications and field demonstration validation
Researchers developed a novel train control system with dynamic configuration, reduced track-side equipment, and improved maintainability to achieve cost savings and increased transportation efficiency. The study promotes the integration of GNSS-based positioning and navigation technologies to enhance railway operations.
Safe train transport
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers reconstructed crude oil transport paths by linking geotagged images with national railway networks. The study found that these inferred routes aligned with approximately 96% of documented incidents, highlighting potential risks along rail routes.
Railways could be a key 'utility player' for backup power
Researchers found that rail-based mobile energy storage can cost-effectively provide backup power for extreme events, potentially saving the power sector up to 60% of transmission line costs. The US rail network has the capacity to bring energy where it's needed, and this technology could work well in regions with robust freight capaci...
Coal trains increase air pollution in San Francisco bay area
A recent study by the University of California, Davis found that coal trains and terminal operations significantly increase fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in urban areas, contributing to serious health problems. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.
Launch of the Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance Research Facility at the University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield has launched a smart rolling stock maintenance research facility to investigate cutting-edge technologies for improving the efficiency and reliability of train maintenance. The facility aims to reduce costs, increase reliability, and make rail travel more affordable.
Extinction of steam locomotives derails assumptions about biological evolution
A team of paleontologists used the history of steam engines to test competitive exclusion theory, finding limited evidence supporting its role in extinction. The researchers analyzed data on tractive effort, revealing that newer engines generated more power, making steam locomotives less efficient and eventually obsolete.
What is the impact of replacing short-haul flights on CO2 emissions and international connectivity?
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) finds that replacing short-haul flights with rail in Germany could reduce CO2 emissions by 2.7-22%. However, this policy may also harm international connectivity, particularly for peripheral regions and passengers with limited onward connections.
New measurements show high air pollution in the Copenhagen metro
Measurements taken by University of Copenhagen researchers show high air pollution levels in the Copenhagen metro, with ultra-small particles 10-20 times higher than on heavily trafficked streets. The pollution comes mainly from trains' brakes and rails, posing a health risk to frequent users.
Environment: Ultrafine particles prevalent in London Underground air pollution
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found ultrafine magnetic iron oxide particles in London Underground air pollution, with average diameter of 10 nanometres. The authors propose that improved air pollution monitoring and efforts to reduce pollution levels could help mitigate health risks associated with exposure to these pa...
Significantly elevated particulate air pollution concentrations found in the Copenhagen Metro
Researchers found particulate air pollution concentrations between 10 to 20 times higher inside the Copenhagen Metro system compared to street level. The concentrations measured at stations were 109-168 µg m−3, exceeding EU's 25 µg m−3 standard.
Are we there yet? Time slows down on a crowded train
Research finds that crowding on public transit makes time seem to pass more slowly, with rushed commutes feeling significantly longer. The study used virtual reality simulations of subway rides and found that crowded trips took around 10% longer than less crowded ones.
Big batteries on wheels can deliver zero-emissions rail while securing the grid
A Berkeley Lab study shows how battery-electric trains can cut carbon dioxide emissions by over half, eliminating premature deaths and health costs associated with diesel freight trains. The analysis suggests that retrofitting diesel-electric trains with batteries is a cost-effective solution with multiple benefits.
University of Huddersfield's Institute of Railway Research wins prestigious prize from IMechE
The University of Huddersfield's Institute of Railway Research has won a prestigious prize from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for its 'Low Adhesion Braking Dynamic Optimisation for Rolling Stock' (LABRADOR) simulation tool. This tool allows for the study of specific brake control features and prediction of train brak...
The push to cashless transit fare leaves some riders behind
A multi-year study found that cashless fare systems can exclude lower-income riders due to lack of access to smartphones, internet, and banking services. Maintaining cash options can mitigate this issue, offering a more equitable solution for all riders.
KTP grant enables SME to take key role in rail electrification
A Huddersfield-based company has partnered with the University of Huddersfield to leverage a Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) and develop modernized products for the rail industry. The partnership aims to reduce material usage, increase efficiency, and lower costs through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Snowplow drivers utilizing high-tech simulators to improve skills
A joint project between UDOT, GE Driver Development, and the University of Utah aims to enhance snowplow driver skills using state-of-the-art simulation technology. The training will focus on controlling speed, maintaining tandem position, and communication with other operators in a simulated winter environment.
Fiber-optic sensors detect damaged rails and faulty wheels
Researchers developed fiber-optic sensors to detect flaws in rails and wheels, improving train safety by pinpointing location, speed, and damage. The palm-sized sensors offer a fast and cost-effective method to detect deformities in rail-car wheels, reducing the risk of derailment.
Scientists To Investigate Long-Term Consequences For Wheels And Rails
Researchers develop models to predict wearout and damage of undercarriages and rails due to stress, enabling early replacement and cost savings. The studies aim to improve the efficiency and safety of high-velocity trains.