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High Speed Rail IDEA Project 19 [Completed (IDEA)]
Fiber Optical Sensors for High-Speed Rail Applications
| Project Data |
| Funds: |
$95,000 |
| Staff Responsibility: |
Chuck Taylor |
| Completion Date: |
8/1/2001 |
| Fiscal Year: |
1999 |
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This research investigated the feasibility of an alternative to HSR-18 for using fiber-optic filaments to detect trains and broken rail. Rather than using fiber-optic filaments buried along the track structure, this project investigated the application of the filaments directly to the rail. Specifically, the project developed, tested, and evaluated a system employing fiber-optic sensors attached to rail to detect rail breaks and track buckling, and the location and speed of trains. Any break or displacement of the rail, such as would result from a train or rail buckling, would affect the light transmitting characteristics of the attached fiber. This change in the light signal would be detected and analyzed to provide information on the exact location of the train or track defect. The objective is a low-cost, reliable alternative to conventional track circuits for near real-time detection and location of rail break events, as well as detection of rail buckling and location of moving trains that can be commercially developed for application to the railroad. If successful, this technology could facilitate the railroad industry movement toward communications-based train control systems and away from trackcircuit dependent train control. The project investigated alternative types of optical fibers for these applications, optimum location of fibers on the rail, and fiber attachment and removal methods. Other tasks included development of a fiber installation device, development of a computerized optical time-domain reflectometry measurement system, and fabrication and testing of a prototype system.
The final report for this IDEA project can be found at:
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