Track Defects and Track-Train Interactions unit (JEE153)

Introduction

In JEE151 Fundamentals of Track Engineering and in other units you learned about the various components from which track is constructed, some of the defects which can occur in those components, and something of the forces generated by a train traveling along a track. In this unit you’ll be delving much deeper into the types of defects which can afflict rails, sleepers, ballast and the track substructure, as well as how to manage those defects and how to mitigate risks of defects interfering with the passage of traffic on a rail line. Those topics naturally lead on then to a detailed study of the interface between trains and track, which happens all within the wheel-rail contact patch. The management of that patch, its effect upon train behaviour and track forces, and the influence of rail and other track defects in the role of the contact patch, comprise the remainder of the unit’s content. This unit has close relationship with JEE155 Track Design and JEE153 Track Maintenance and Applications.

Summary

Unit name	Track Defects and Track-Train Interactions
Unit code	JEE153
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Australian Maritime College
Discipline	National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics
Coordinator	Doctor Mark Symes
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and describe important defects in track with a view to mitigating their effects on the life of the track.
• Describe the growth, detection and consequences of defects in rails to help assure effective rail maintenance.
• Explain the management and mitigation of risks from track & rail defects, for the safe operation of trains.
• Define and describe the dynamic interactions and forces between trains and track so that the wheel-rail interface can be managed properly.
• Explain key characteristics of the wheel-rail interface and its relationship to track alignment and stability for effective design of track.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

JEE151

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	All assessment, study material, schedules, written guides, etc are presented to students via MyLO.  During the semester there are four 1-hour web conferences in each unit. These web conferences are recorded for future access by students if desired.
Assessment	Quiz (50%)|Report (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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