China’s hypersonic science aces train their sights on high-speed rail safety
- Study suggests the cutting-edge technology will trickle down from military use to other applications, a growing view in the field
- Researchers apply hypersonic research findings to challenge of keeping the world’s longest, fastest rail network operating safely
Existing technology relies on small sensors attached to the wheels of high-speed trains that monitor deformations in the wheels or tracks. This data is crucial to keeping equipment safe and warding off potential derailments.
But the researchers, led by Feng Xue from the solid mechanics institute at Tsinghua University’s School of Aerospace Engineering, said the current system can only catch glimpses of information from isolated points.
They propose using high-sensitivity sensing technology – which is also better suited for extreme conditions – to paint a complete and continuous picture with every turn of a train’s wheel.
Feng and his team developed a giant ring-shaped sensor that is as thin as a piece of paper and adheres perfectly to the inner or outer walls of the train’s wheels, according to a peer-reviewed paper published in January by the journal Scientia Sinica Technologica.
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This flexible sensor is capable of not only measuring previously overlooked wheel deformations but can also help engineers pinpoint minute flaws in the tracks with unprecedented precision, nipping risks in the bud, the researchers said.