New research institute opened by Secretary of State for Transport
The Institute of Railway Research (IRR) at the University of Huddersfield was formally opened recently by the Secretary of
State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin. The IRR, which has 16 researchers based in a suite of specially- equipped labs, is carrying out world-leading research in the area of vehicle-track interaction and is involved in a wide range of projects – in Britain and overseas – with partners including Network Rail, London Underground, TATA Steel, the Rail Research UK Association and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). McLoughlin told guests that he was under constant pressure
from MPs for new rail services, so the major challenge was to increase capacity. He described the list of industrial partners with which the IRR had formed collaborations as ‘impressive beyond belief’, adding: ‘You are training the country’s engineers and railway leaders of the future. There will be great demand for them, and great opportunities too.’
Also present at the launch was Anson Jack, deputy chief executive
of the RSSB, who said the rail industry needs to be much more proactive in embracing and developing the talents and enthusiasm of universities. He commended Huddersfield’s ‘great leadership’ in investing in the Institute, and Professor Iwnicki for showing how academics can help address challenges associated with the industry’s strategic business plan and rail technical strategy. Jack also talked of plans to expand the university’s role in railway research through a new partnership between the RSSB and the IRR.
Building on previous successes
Professor Iwnicki and the IRR’s researchers moved to the new unit from Manchester Metropolitan University 10 months ago. Based within the School of Computing and Engineering its work will involve the skills of other teams at Huddersfield in areas such as intelligent condition monitoring, high performance computing and precision manufacturing. ‘I am delighted by the level of support we have received from
the University of Huddersfield which will allow us to build on our previous successes and increase the breadth and depth of the research we carry out for the industry,’ he said. The IRR is conducting research
which supports the sustainable mobility agenda, with a particular focus on rail vehicle dynamic performance and wheel- rail interface optimisation. Current projects include a range of European 7th Framework Programme collaborations covering aspects of European interoperability, virtual homologation and increasing the sustainability, competitiveness and safety of rail freight. Other research is investigating wheel
damage mechanisms, development of track alignment faults and development of lightweight vehicle components. IRR head of Enterprise, Adam Bevan described how the unit also carries out work for many light rail and metro operators who typically face different wheel-rail interface management problems to heavy rail operators. ‘Solving these can help maintain safety, increase reliability and reduce costs,’ he said. Professor Iwnicki stressed the importance of producing the next generation of railway engineers, a subject he described as a ‘Cinderella area’, with
Page 20 June 2013
students being more attracted to automotive or aerospace engineering. As a way of tackling this, the railway division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineering launched a competition that would emulate the success of Formula Student, in which engineering students build a racing car.
The Railway Challenge, focussed on efficiency and energy recovery,
will see students designing and building a railway vehicle, explained Professor Iwnicki. After the opening ceremony, he showed guests the specially-laid stretch of rail track that will be used to test the vehicle developed by University of Huddersfield students. The IRR hopes to expand its research to support current and emerging challenges faced by the industry. IRR assistant director, Julian Stow, predicted a bright future: ‘Government has set the industry some clear challenges in terms of reducing costs and enhancing sustainability and service. Having an engaged and active railway research capability will be essential to achieving these.’
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