Analysis of selected acceleration signals measurements obtained during supervised service conditions – study of hitherto approach

Abstract

The subject matter of the paper is an analysis of chosen results of acceleration signals measurements obtained from the prototype of the Rail Vehicle and Rail Track Monitoring System. This prototype of the monitoring system measures acceleration signals on designated elements of the electric multiple unit (EMU). These elements comprise components such as: bogie frames, wheels and bodies of railway vehicles. The analysis was prepared on the basis of rail vehicle journeys on sample sections of the Polish National Railways (PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.) network. The products of measurements were converted to values of specific diagnostic parameters (statistical parameters), e.g. an amplitude (zero-peak), a root mean square, a kurtosis coefficient, an interquartile range. Comparing the values of diagnostic parameters with their permissible values allows the monitoring of distinctive dynamic behaviors of rail vehicles and track condition, as well as the temperature of the bearings of rail vehicle wheelsets. It also allows the determining of the condition of rail vehicle structure. The permissible values of certain diagnostics parameters could not be obtained from the literature. Therefore, this paper in part presents a way of obtaining these permissible values. The main intention of the analysis described here is to determine the usability of various diagnostic parameters and to identify the course of further research related to condition monitoring and diagnostics of rail vehicles and tracks.