Kistler Engaged in Long-term Testing of the Dresden Measuring Tram

Kistler: The roll-out of the world's first measuring tram took place in Dresden, Germany, on 5 March with the handover of the tram for regular operation on the tramway network of the Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (Dresden Transport Company). The project, directed by the Institute for Rail Transport and Technology of Dresden Technical University is receiving support from Kistler Instrumente AG and a number of other major companies such as Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe AG, Bombardier Transportation GmbH, National Instruments Germany GmbH, Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG, IMA GmbH Dresden and the Institut für Bahntechnik GmbH.

The aim of the project is to acquire scientific knowledge and practical experience in the field of rail vehicle and track measurement technology in tramway systems. In addition, the measuring tram is being made available to the TU Dresden for student training and the improvement of teaching and research. The data obtained in the course of the opera-tion of the tram will serve to optimize simulation models for the development of new vehicles and vehicle components.

A series production Bombardier tram, the NGT D8 DD, which will be in daily use in Dres-den, has been fitted out to serve as a measuring platform. Over the next five years, it will supply a great variety of measurement data covering, for example, mechanical values such as acceleration (vibration) and spring deflection in the bogie, strains on the carriage body structure and temperatures at various points, all of which should facilitate the future construction of trams that are both quieter and more comfortable. Performance measurements during routine tram operation will permit conclusions to be drawn on power transmission in the drive-train and the knowledge gained will aid the development of more energy efficient driving methods.

Kistler's contribution to this project consists essentially in the supply of sensors to measure strain in the vehicle structure in the region of the carriage body and to investigate acceleration and vibration effects on the axle bearings and in the bogie frame. To this end, several piezoelectric triaxial accelerometers Type 8793A500 have been fitted to measure bogie vibration and the effects of the primary spring level between the two structures.

Capacitive triaxial accelerometers Type 8393B10 are used in the area of the articulations, doors, portal region and roof to measure the oscillation of the carriage structure mounted on the bogie. One is positioned directly above the bogie to determine the effect of the secondary spring between the bogie frame and the carriage body.

This year, Kistler Instrumente AG is looking back over 50 years of uninterrupted success, a period during which the company has risen from extremely modest beginnings to its present position as the market leader in the field of dynamic measurement. With this commitment to the Dresden measurement tram, Kistler is pursuing its old-established tradition of solid support for research and teaching in the universities and universities of applied science.

Kistler Group

Kistler’s core competence is the development, production and use of sensors for measuring pressure, force, torque and acceleration. Kistler’s know-how and electronic systems can be used to prepare measuring signals for use in analyzing physical processes, controlling and optimizing industrial processes, improving product quality in manufacturing and improving performance in sports and rehabilitation.

Kistler offers a comprehensive range of sensors and systems for engine development, automotive engineering, plastics and metal processing, installation technology and biomechanics.

A worldwide sales presence in the form of 25 group companies and 30 distributors ensures customer proximity, application support on an individual level and short lead times.

With a staff of 950, the Kistler Group is one of the world’s leading providers of dynamic measuring instrumentation. The Kistler Group achieved turnover of 215 million Swiss Francs in the 2008 financial year.