Research areas
KTH Railway Group performs research within several disciplines.
Efficient train systems for freight traffic
The research within efficient train systems for freight traffic aims at developing methods and contributing to knowledge to make trains more attractive for transport customers, and more profitable for the train companies. Cost-effective solutions with new technologies and new transport and logistics arrangements contribute to relieving the road network and to strengthen the competitiveness of the railway.
Publications – Efficient train systems for freight traffic
Efficient train systems for passenger traffic
The research within efficient train systems for passenger traffic aims at developing methods and contributing to knowledge to make trains more attractive for passengers, and more profitable for the train companies. Design of train concepts with new technologies and according to passengers' opinions contribute to making railway traffic attractive and effective.
Publications – Efficient train systems for passenger traffic
Electrical systems
The research within electrical systems concerns power supply, both for propulsion systems on the vehicle (traction) and auxiliary power.
Publications – Electrical systems
Sound and vibrations
The research within sound and vibrations aims at treating related problems in railway engineering. A good environment for people on the train puts high demands on the sound and vibration environment in the vehicles. Society's demands for low noise disturbance require trains with low noise emission. Further, an environment in which vehicles, track and transported goods are not damaged requires low vibration levels.
Publications – Sound and vibrations
Vehicle engineering
The research within vehicle engineering aims primarily at studying and improving the dynamic interaction between the rail vehicles and track. Examples of aspects are derailment risk, running stability and ride comfort as well as wear and fatigue of wheels and rails. Meanwhile, there is strong desire for heavier freight trains and faster passenger trains. The studies are based on sophisticated computer simulations and field measurements.
Publications – Vehicle engineering
Infrastructure
The research within infrastructure concerns the development of analytical methods for train-track-bridge-soil interaction, efficiency of operation and maintenance of infrastructure constructions, condition monitoring and economic optimization and LCC/LCA of railway bridges.
Capacity
The research within capacity analysis aims at developing methods and contributing to knowledge to find cost-effective and attractive solutions to operate trains on the railway network.