10144365InterDrOPS - Characterisation Of Aerodynamic Drag To Optimise Intermodal Rail OperationsClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKCurrent freight operations include very limited aerodynamic considerations, despite aerodynamic drag being the dominant resistive force as speeds increase, accounting for ~65% of total train resistance. This lack of aerodynamic consideration is further reflected in train pathing software solutions which fail to model freight appropriately, resulting in overly restrictive pathing solutions. These omissions are of ever-increasing importance due to Government policy on increased rail freight solutions, which will rely on improved pathing and overall speeds, leading to high-speed freight, with new opportunities and capacity for just-in-time freight. This will, in turn, create greater train management efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, directly tackling Government's 2050 decarbonisation agenda. Preliminary trials indicate that accurately modelling total train drag can improve energy consumption and pathing reliability, as well as platform/trackside safety from aerodynamic flows. Phase 1 of this project will develop a flexible, proof of concept software package (InterDrOPS) to characterise aerodynamic drag for subset of typical intermodal freight train configurations: 1.From the end-user perspective, a graphical front-end will allow drag parameters to be determined for a particular train configuration. 2.This will utilise a comprehensive API; also available for pathway software developers to access to determine aerodynamic data programmatically for inclusion in calculations. 3.Behind this will sit a database of freight aerodynamic data, utilising wind tunnel experiments to validate computational simulations; the first of its kind. Phase 2 will develop this solution to a broader set of wagon types and into a commercial product. Capitalising on the Global Centre of Rail Excellence, a series of full-scale coast down tests will be conducted to establish the link between aerodynamic drag and the Davis equation coefficients used for train pathing solutions. The results of this will be synchronised with existing pathing RailSys software. The finalised product will undergo collaborative in-practice testing with Network Rail to benchmark simulation against actual freight paths on normal operations. Direct-user testing is specifically established to ensure the product suits end-user needs and cementing clear routes to market, taking the product directly to the customer and illustrating commercial benefits, whilst ensuring successful integration is de-risked to confirm market readiness, based on an open performance feedback process. InterDrOPS will ensure energy-optimised operations, enabling optimised timetabling, reduced end-to-end journey times and improved average speeds through providing better representation of running capabilities. This will support development of high-speed freight services, improving competitiveness with other modes to support shift-to-rail and Government policy.