Network Simulator
The new Network
Simulator user interface.
RAILSIM Network Simulator (NS) models an unlimited number of trains on
a virtually-unlimited rail network of multiple corridors and even
multiple modes — and their complex interactions at junctions,
crossings and terminals. All types of train control systems — and
mixtures and combinations of train control systems — can be simulated.
RAILSIM NS is the
ideal tool for:
Capital Improvements Planning
Upgrading track speeds,
replacing turnouts for higher diverging movements, reconfiguring
interlockings and modifying yard configurations can be evaluated using
RAILSIM NS, as can alternative expansion projects, such as line
extensions, double tracking and new terminals.
Signal Design Validation
Use RAILSIM to evaluate
critical capacity limitations due to signal block spacing and
solutions for eliminating these constraints. Or use RAILSIM to test
retrofits of new train control systems, such as replacing wayside
signaling with automatic train operation (ATO). For line extensions
and new designs, use RAILSIM to verify
that capacity requirements are satisfied.
Timetable and Operating Plan
Development
Test new timetables and
operating plans in RAILSIM as they are developed, and ensure their
effective implementation. Or test complete changes in operating
strategies -- routings, direction of traffic, terminal manipulations
and station stops.
Ridership Analysis
Use RAILSIM's powerful
passenger modeling capabilities to match service with demand, and
evaluate trip times, passenger waiting times, and train dwell times.
Line Capacity Analysis
RAILSIM establishes
line capacity for complex operations, where multiple classes of
trains, different stopping patterns, signal system constraints and
dispatching strategies all impose operating constraints. The precise
locations of bottlenecks can be identified -- and solutions for
improving line capacity tested.
Train Control Capabilities
RAILSIM NS accurately
simulates virtually any train control system, including:
- User-defined signal
aspects and operating rules,
- Wayside/no cab, wayside/cab, and
cab/no wayside
technologies,
- CTC, ABS and track
warrant/manual block systems,
- Mixture of ATC-equipped
and non-equipped vehicles operating on the same system,
- Manual and Automatic
Train Operation.
Vehicle Performance
Capabilities
RAILSIM NS captures the
unique attributes of all equipment operating on the rail system:
- An unlimited number
of different classes of trains operating simultaneously,
- User-defined
performance and maximum speed characteristics for each class,
- Braking and
acceleration reaction times for each class,
- User-defined train
consists and lengths,
- Varying code
interpretation settings by train class/equipment type.
Operations Simulation
Capabilities
RAILSIM NS supports the
simulation of more than 100 simultaneous trains operating on a rail
network. It can simulate both planned and unexpected operating events
including:
- User-defined
dispatching logic, including criteria such as schedule adherence,
train class, minimizing of delay, time of day and direction,
- System disturbances
and random events, including station dwells and equipment
performance,
- Interactive track
speed restrictions, vehicle speed restrictions, vehicle performance
reductions, extended station stops and tracks out of service.
Operating variability can
be specified by train class in RAILSIM Editor
for sensitivity analysis of operating plans in RAILSIM NS.
RAILSIM can be used for
"randomized" (stochastic) or deterministic methodologies to
simulation. Rail operations are, by nature, variable and RAILSIM can
mimic this variability in its simulations.
Deterministic
(non-randomized) simulations are important in predicting signal
clearing times (following move capacity), nominal station dwells and
other engineering-oriented analyses. However, the evaluation and
prediction of future on-time performance must be based on day-to-day
variability, such as:
- Variable train
performance (tractive effort and braking rate),
- Variable arrival
times of trains entering the model from yard leads, and from
“external” locations (portions of the rail network beyond the
geographic limits being modeled),
- Variable dwells
within the simulation limits,
- Dwell variation due
to passenger ingress/egress variability at specific stations, if
applicable.
The User Experience
Perhaps the most
readily-discernable difference to users of previous versions will be
RAILSIM NS' completely redesigned interface. From the full Windows
menu structure and point-and-click interface to the ability to open
multiple windows, showing geographic and schematic representations of
the same or different locations, plus on-the-spot text statistics and
dynamically updating plots of the simulation in progress. RAILSIM
NS operation is smoother and more intuitive.
Full simulation detail is provided as it occurs; in addition to
changing signal aspects, trains progress along the track, and train
display colors can change (when defined) to indicate varying degrees
of schedule adherence (for several early, on-time , and late
selections). Extensive analytical information can be obtained during a
simulation; for example, a train, station, or interlocking can be
examined, or a train can be followed as it moves through its simulated
run. Click the image to see it larger.
RAILSIM continues to
support dynamic simulation displays showing train operation (including
the Train ID and speed information categories shown here), delays,
signal aspects, precise train location and track circuit occupancy during simulation. Ideal for
operations analysis, and management and public presentations are these
features:
- Tracks, signal
aspects and train positions are all updated continuously during
simulation,
- Graphic labels,
station platforms, towers, undergrade bridges, overgrade bridges,
waterways, track numbers and tunnel portals (each in a user-defined
color) can be graphically displayed,
- User-defined signal
aspects, each consisting of up to three signal heads, are
automatically displayed in realistic signal images based on track
occupancy, direction of traffic and interlocking route
establishment,
- User-selected
simulation speed (greater, equal to or less than real time),
- Simulation pause,
scroll, scale and examine features,
- Automatic location
and tracking of any user-selected train,
- Graphic highlighting
of trains delayed by other trains ahead, by route locking, or by traffic locking,
- Train color coding
based on simulated versus scheduled performance (multiple categories
of early, on-time,
late) with user-defined lateness thresholds.
Model Calibration
To
ensure the quality and verify the accuracy of any simulation model, it
is necessary to check detailed diagnostic outputs against actual
field-measured train operations of the rail system being simulated.
When simulated and real world results do not agree, adjustments must
be made in the model’s physical, vehicle and operating assumptions.
This process is known as calibration.
RAILSIM’s detailed and
site-specific diagnostic reports are designed to support high-quality
simulation model calibration. The following calibration variables are
typically verified through selective observations and monitoring of
field operations:
- Acceleration and
braking rates,
- Terminal-to-terminal
run times (or reasonable portions thereof),
- Observed wayside
automatic block signal and/or ATC (cab signal) code restoration
clearing times,
- Station dwell times
(if ridership Origin-Destination database is defined in the model),
and
- Run time impacts
resulting from diverging routes.
RAILSIM NS' on-screen dynamic
graphics build consensus that the model emulates the rail network
accurately.
RAILSIM features a
number of train class-specific and global settings which support an
efficient simulation model calibration process. One of these,
applicable to vehicle performance for observed interstation run times,
is the “braking comfort factor”. Vehicle performance adjustments often
rely on RAILSIM's "braking comfort factor" parameters, which define the
percent difference between full service braking and normal service
braking for regular station stops and for civil speed restriction
reductions. Other key calibration factors include speeds
associated with wayside and/or cab signal aspects.
Network Simulator Typical
Output
Typical output for
RAILSIM Network Simulator consists of Graphical Output, including
Time-Distance Plots and Station Occupancy Charts in DXF (CAD) file
format; Text Output in spreadsheet-compatible (comma-delimited .CSV)
file format; and Run Time Graphics in captured "screen shots" during
simulation.
All Reports can be
displayed on screen, stored in a file or sent directly to a printer or
plotter.
-
DELAY ANALYSIS REPORT
summarizes the lateness of all trains in the system, identifies the
causes of lateness, and gives a total lateness for each cause,
-
INTERLOCKING REPORT
all trains passing the interlocking, their routes, conflicts
encountered and on-time performance,
- LATENESS REPORT
distribution of train on-time performance at a specified location,
- SIGNAL CLEAR REPORT
minimum train interval supported by the signal system, which defines
same-direction line capacity,
- SIGNAL DELAY REPORT
all trains that were delayed (either slowed or stopped) by signals
displaying reduced speed or stop aspects,
-
STATION REPORT
all
trains passing a selected location, along with track number and
on-time performance,
- SYSTEM LATENESS REPORT
provides a system-wide statistical summary of the delays experienced
by trains at their last scheduled arrival time,
-
TIMETABLE REPORT
provides a complete columnar summary of the operating plan used in
the simulation,
- TRACK USE REPORT
identifying train tonnage by rail segment,
- TRAIN REPORT
scheduled versus simulated performance and routing from terminal to
terminal,
- TRAIN DETAIL REPORT
reports on a train’s performance at a user-specified timestep
throughout its simulated run. Includes the same detailed output as
the TPC Train Report, such as location, velocity, acceleration,
performance mode, rolling resistance, grade, curve and maximum
authorized speed,
-
TIME-DISTANCE PLOT
(STRING CHART)
time versus distance plots of all trains in a
user-defined segment of the rail system,
- GRAPHIC STATION REPORT
time-scaled graphic representation of track occupancy at a station,
terminal or yard, and
-
GRAPHIC TRAIN REPORT
plots any set of train performance variables, such as time,
distance, velocity, acceleration, grade and/or maximum authorized
speed.
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