For the implementation of research and development projects as well as consulting services, we have the following subject-specific hardware and software products at our disposal, which are used depending on the problem. Many of the software products mentioned are also used in teaching. We have co-developed the software TrainOptimizer® and make it available for purchase through our cooperation partner netwiss.

Department Railway Simulation/Railway Operation

OpenTrack

OpenTrack is a software for the simulation of railway networks. Typical questions that can be answered with OpenTrack are: Calculation of running times, timetable construction, stability and feasibility studies of timetables, proof of infrastructure requirements, calculation of the minimum train following time, planning of conversion phases and slow running points, behaviour analysis of traction units, studies on the use of railway safety technology, studies on the behaviour of the network in the event of disruptions or power and energy calculation of train movements.
More information on OpenTrack, opens an external URL in a new window

FBS – Timetable Processing System

FBS is a software for almost all aspects of timetable construction, vehicle optimisation, resource planning and the subsequent use of the data obtained with it. FBS is used by well-known stakeholders in the railway sector such as RUs, EIUs and public transport authorities. At our research department, FBS is used in research projects and in teaching.
More information about FBS at the manufacturer irFP, opens an external URL in a new window

TrainOptimizer®

TrainOptimizer® is a software that helps to determine the efficiency of all types of passenger carriages, from trams and metros to high-speed and night trains. The focus is on calculating the passenger changeover time, the stowability of luggage and the actual usability of seats. TrainOptimizer® therefore offers a perfect complement to the above-mentioned software products for operational simulation. TrainOptimizer® builds on over twenty years of intensive research into passenger behaviour and can therefore accurately represent the very specific behaviour of people in rail vehicles when boarding and alighting, stowing luggage and choosing seats. TrainOptimizer® was co-developed by the research unit for track-bound transport systems and is made available for purchase through the cooperation partner netwiss.
More information on TrainOptimizer®, opens an external URL in a new window

Department Routing

ProVI

ProVI is a graphically interactive programme system for traffic and infrastructure planning (rail, tram and road) with a focus on railway engineering (incl. control and safety technology). In the process, the traffic body is generated with the construction of a traffic axis as well as a cross-section related to it. This can then be displayed and drawn either in two-dimensional plans or three-dimensional also in a generated terrain. The software is based on AutoCAD and the planning can be carried out according to the BIM methodology right from the start.
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Noise and Acoustics Department

Digital artificial head measuring system HMS IV (HEAD acoustics)

The binaural recording system allows for a hearing-compatible recording of sound situations. This means that a sound field to be measured is influenced by the artificial head in the vicinity of the ears in a manner comparable to the presence of a real person and is recorded by means of two microphones mounted in the auricles. Such recordings ultimately allow a realistic reproduction of recorded or manipulated sound situations in which a spatial auditory impression can be conveyed. For this reason, such recordings are particularly suitable as a basis for perception tests with test persons who listen to prepared stimuli and subjectively evaluate them with regard to concrete questions (HEAD product description, opens an external URL in a new window).

Recording system for sound and vibration

By means of a 24-channel ICP recording system DIC 24 (HEAD acoustics), various sensor signals can be recorded up to 50 kS/s per channel with 24 bit. In combination with one or more of the 7 available ½" ICP free-field microphones (G.R.A.S., 46AE, class 1 according to IEC 61672, G.R.A.S. product description, opens an external URL in a new window), comprehensive sound emissions or immissions of passing trains can thus be realised. The temporal reference to the passing times of axles can be established by means of a specially developed double laser light barrier without entering the track, and distances between the axles can be determined to distinguish between different train categories. Alternatively, two inductive wheel sensors from Frauscher can be used for this task - especially for longer-lasting measurement series.

The recording system can also be used or adapted for other measurement tasks by adding appropriate ICP sensors or sensors with voltage output. For example, parallel to sound recordings, vibrations can also be recorded using acceleration sensors. Specifically, vehicle interior noise in combination with vibration on the vehicle (3-axis miniature acceleration sensor 66A50 from Meggitt) and the effect of vibration on humans (3-axis whole-body seat accelerometer SV 38 from Svantek, SV 38 product description, opens an external URL in a new window) have already been measured in this way.

For less complex measurement tasks, a modular measurement system of the CompactDAQ series (National Instruments) can also be used.

Playback system for binaural recordings

The PEQ V programmable digital equaliser (HEAD acoustics, Equalizer PEQ V product description, opens an external URL in a new window) in combination with HD 650 open dynamic headphones (Sennheiser) enables aurally accurate playback of recorded and/or created binaural sound material. These headphones are calibrated together with the equaliser, so that a level-faithful reproduction can be ensured.

In addition to aurally appropriate analysis of sound situations, the playback system allows above all the performance of perception tests with test persons in order to be able to assess sounds with regard to their subjective effect.

ArtemiS Suite (HEAD Acoustics)

This software platform ArtemiS (ArtemiS Suite product description, opens an external URL in a new window) allows sound (microphone as well as artificial head recordings), vibrations or other sensor signals to be measured and analysed.

Forecast calculations using MATLAB (Mathworks®)

Essential parts of the emission forecast of rail traffic noise according to RVE 04.01.02, as well as the dispersion calculation according to ÖAL 28 (both national implementations of the European Calculation Model according to the Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC) were implemented in MATLAB (Mathworks®), a script-based calculation environment, together with the civil engineering office DI Dr. Christian Kirisits. This allows research into specific questions concerning the European prediction model that goes far beyond the possibilities of commercial software products for immission prediction.

Non-subject-specific software

Survey and statistics software

For the efficient implementation of surveys, we have tools for online questionnaires as well as for reading out paper questionnaires. With SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) and R (free programming language for statistical calculations), we have analysis tools at our disposal with which statistical data analyses can be carried out. Thanks to a well-founded know-how, it is possible to process data analyses as well as statistical requirements according to recognised scientific rules. These can be in the functional area (e.g. disruption, performance etc.) as well as in the non-functional area (e.g. passenger behaviour, customer wishes etc.).

Graphics software

Through Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, PremierePro and Vectorworks, it is possible to perform 2D and 3D image editing, video editing and analysis, image analysis as well as vector graphics editing and to present task-related solutions graphically as well as visually in the design and concept phase within the planning of track-bound transport systems.

Analysis tools

Video analysis offers an undisputed opportunity to analyse movement patterns and optimise planning processes. This can be, for example, a behavioural analysis of people using railway stations in order to optimise station infrastructure facilities, or the behavioural analysis of people in rail vehicles in order to be able to plan or design rail vehicles efficiently. Extensive camera equipment is available for this purpose in order to be able to determine and evaluate existing potentials by means of video recordings.