Improved Generalized Energy Index method for comprehensive evaluation and prediction of track irregularity

Abstract

Track Quality Index (TQI) is used to evaluate the track irregularity in many countries, but it ignores the influence of different-wavelength components of energy in track irregularity. This article describes the principle of Generalized Energy Index (GEI) method at first, and then presents the improved GEI's calculation method. The results of simulation experiments have shown that GEI is better for the evaluation of track irregularity than TQI. Thus, a new grey model which can be used to simulate and predict the GEI sequence will be proposed. Last, a series of simulation analysis has been carried out by using track data with VAMPIRE (Vampire Vehicle Dynamics Simulation) and MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) software. The results mentioned above can provide theoretical and methodology supports for the maintenance of tracks when the train running mode changes.

Keywords:

• TQI
• GEI
• GM(1,1)
• new grey model
• non-isometric time model
• AR (Autoregressive)