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Tools

IMMC

Testing

The LEMSC has several testing machines in a large load range :  

  • 4 traction/compression machines (capacity of 50, 100, 500, 1000 kN)
  • 1 combined axial-torsion machine (axial : 500 kN, torsion 2200 N.m)

 

The LEMSC has also a large testing floor with the following features :

  • dimensions : max length 24,60 m, max widh 12,60 m, 260 m²
  • anchor stations each 1,20 m following x and y directions : fixing of samples and/or frames, columns for the support of actuators
  • actuators : mainly MTS servo-hydraulic (capacity of 5, 10, 25, 100, 350, 750, 1000 kN)
  • possibility to control up to 4 actuators in parallel

 

The LEMSC attaches particular importance to the instrumentation of a test. It offers a wide range of sensors :

  • force : dynamometric cell with strain gauges, many capacities 
  • displacement : LVDT, dial, digital, …
  • deformation : strain gauges for several materials (steel, concrete, composite, …)
  • temperature : mainly thermocouples
  • inclinometers, accelerometers, pressure sensors, …

For the data acquisition, the LEMSC has developed home-made conditioning boxes and some software for the data recording.

 

Modelling and simulation

In the field of railway dynamics, the CEREM research team work with several engineering programs.

  • ROBOTRAN is a research multibody package developped at UCL. It is written as an open platform which make it a very powerfull tool to deal with non-conventional problems such as the modelling of an articulated bogie.  
  • SIMPACK is one of the leader software program in the railway industry. It allows us to studied the dynamic behaviour of railway vehicles running on straight or curved track and to perform standard analysis of safety and comfort preformance.
  • MATLAB/SIMULINK is a general engineering program that we use to develop specific model of certain part of the railway system. For instance, we have implemented models of the complete pneumatic suspension circuit includeing air spring, pipes, valve, etc. It can be coupled to multibody software (either ROBOTRAN or SIMPACK) to obtain complete model of the railway vehicle.