Engineering and design of railway systems

This textbook is intended to promote an understanding of the principles and methods of modern engineering, design and operation of rail transport systems, with particular attention to technological issues, high-speed and fast transport, based on the use of active or passive tilting trains. The following main topics are covered: 1. The isolated vehicle: traction and main components; 2. The infrastructure: the track system, its components, layout and transition curves as used in conventional and high-speed railways; 3. Vehicle interaction with the infrastructure and safety; 4. Signalling systems and operation; 5. Interoperability among European railway networks, with specific reference to loading and structure gauges and to line electrification systems; 6. Innovation and automation, focusing on traction systems, tilting trains and advanced systems used in vehicle monitoring and traffic control. The text concludes with an overview of the main points in the evolution of rail transport, followed by some calculation exercises. Rolling stock components (brakes, suspensions, bearings, etc.) are not analysed discussed, as this topic is more within the province of vehicle mechanical design and construction. The issues involved in railway transport planning and management are also beyond the scope of the text.