Apllication of optimization algorithms to improve the design of turnouts

Abstract

One of the most important tasks for improving the infrastructure facility of railways is its optimization. Currently, work is underway to create a new (fifth) generation of turnout products for Russian Railways. A model range of turnouts of resource-saving design is developed for rapid and high-speed traffic, as well as for the lines with dense traffic of heavy trains. The article describes the formulation and algorithms for solving optimization of turnout elements at the design stage. Four types of tasks are classified: optimization of the general sizes of turnout units; optimization of elements which failures are defined by conditions of contact with wheels of a rolling stock; optimization of forms of special elements of the railway turnouts manufactured from special rolling profiles; optimization of elements in a case when constructive changes, reasonable from the approach of mechanics of the deformed solid body, cannot be realized for the technological reasons and features of configuration of units. Recommendations about mathematical apparatus which is reasonable for using for the solution of problems of each type are made. The examples of practical application of the offered techniques which have allowed gaining significant economic effect are given. Techniques and implementing algorithms are constructed on the principles of parametrical optimization. It has the common nature. Similar techniques and algorithms can be used for the solution of a large number of optimization tasks of technical means of railway transport. The considered optimization algorithms are successfully applied at designing railway turnouts of Russian production. Its use allows saving the metal spent for production of special rolling profiles and cast details; it also gives the chance to increase life cycles, strength and durability of elements of railway turnouts.