Masters Theses

Abstract

"This thesis describes the design, operation, and application of a system for the automatic measurement of a railroad train length. The system is based on sensing individual wheel crossings with two commercial variable-reluctance wheel sensors. The individual wheels are not counted as they are sensed, instead the system uses the information to compute the train velocity. These sensors are separated a known distance on the railroad track at the location a length measurement is desired. The train may pass these sensors at any desired speed and in either direction. The developed system is not dependent on car length or number of cars making up the train, and no emphasis is placed on the dimensions between adjacent or alternate axles. The system incorporates compensation for normal acceleration and deceleration of the train. The described system has been adjusted to accommodate train speeds from 5 to 60 miles per hour with total length indication inaccuracy of less than 5% throughout this speed range. Alternatively, by constraining the speed requirement, any required length accuracy may be obtained. For example, by constraining the speed to 25 ±5 MPH, the inaccuracy is less than 1% and could be improved if necessary. The system gives an indication when it computes a train velocity which is outside the range of system operation. Such a velocity is not usable for an accurate length measurement.

The system operates on 120 VAC line power and is adaptable to remote telemetry operation from the trackside sensors"-- Abstract, pp. ii-iii

Advisor(s)

Dillman, Norman G., 1938-2010

Committee Member(s)

Carson, Ralph S.
Illegible Signature

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1974

Pagination

vii, 40 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (page 39)

Rights

© 1974 Paul Clement Kriegshauser, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 3098

Print OCLC #

6019772

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