2014 Tyler Plowright and Dane Griffin

Railway Engineering Student Thesis Award 2014

THERE ARE TWO RECIPIENTS OF THE 2014 RAILWAY ENGINEERING STUDENT THESIS AWARD, BEING: MR. TYLER PLOWRIGHT AND MR. DANE GRIFFIN

Mr. Tyler Plowright.

 Thesis: Aerodynamics of Australia Coal Trains

Place of Study: University of Newcastle

The research comprising the thesis was commissioned by Pacific National to investigate and report on potential drag reducing devices and designs for both locomotives and wagons. Research was conducted to analyse possible reduction in fuel consumption and to commence investigations into the aerodynamic flows that are present around the wagons.

The thesis details a variety of current and future technologies that have the objective of reducing aerodynamic drag and summarises perceived benefits and potential flaws. These findings have been subjected to Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis to calculate the aerodynamic drag reductions, and hence fuel savings, for each of the potential technologies. It is expected that the results of this study will allow for better informed decisions on the potential benefits and costs associated with adopting drag reducing devices.

Tyler Plowright accepting the 2014 Railway Engineering Student Thesis Award

and

 

Mr. Dane Griffin

 

Thesis: Design of Precast Composite Concrete Steel Panels for Track Support: for use on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Place of Study: University of Western Sydney

The thesis presents theoretically determined design solutions for precast composite concrete and steel track support panels to accommodate both derailment and standard in-service rail vehicle loads while maintaining member depth and configuration limitations on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The theoretical panel designs were modified using finite element analysis software to confirm their stability to sustain the anticipated loads. This includes potential derailment loads The successful results from the analysis have supported the proposed designs as a viable replacement alternative to the present timber transoms that support the rails on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Dane Griffin accepting the 2014 Railway Engineering Student Thesis Award

2014 RAILWAY ENGINEERING STUDENT THESIS RUNNERS-UP AWARD: MS. MARY DURKAN

 

Thesis: Improving Mandurah and Joondalup Lines Peak Hour Rail Services: Investigating Rail Cars Operations and Track Infrastructure

 

Place of Study: University of Western Australia

The thesis presents theoretically determined design solutions for precast composite concrete and steel track support panels to accommodate both derailment and standard in-service rail vehicle loads while maintaining member depth and configuration limitations on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The theoretical panel designs were modified using finite element analysis software to confirm their stability to sustain the anticipated loads. This includes potential derailment loads The successful results from the analysis have supported the proposed designs as a viable replacement alternative to the present timber transoms that support the rails on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Mary Durkan accepting the 2014 Railway Engineering Student Thesis Runner-Up Award