Estimating Empirical Equation for Train Movement Using Operational Data

Train safety and operational efficiency are enhanced by the ability to understand the behavior of trains under varying conditions. The aim of the research is to describe a method to develop empirical formula to calculate four railway dynamic concepts: Rolling and air resistance, Curve resistance, Coefficient of friction between wheel and rail, and coefficient of friction between wheel and braking shoes using operational data. To realize this goal, field survey and data were collected for track profile, rolling stock characteristics, train composition and the download of Automatic Train Control disc for some trips for different lines at different train types ( passenger – empty and loaded freight ) during the four seasons ( summer , fall , winter and spring ). In the present paper, investigation of passenger train runs on Cairo- Alexandria Railway line were applied as a case study, using operational data from trains in regular service