In an agreement between 91视频 and Russian Railways, Konstantin Fedin, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Senior Researcher at the , together with students and graduate students, examined 62 supporting structures in a linear contact network. They used an innovative express stress testing technique. In just a few hours, scientists were able to collect and process highly reliable data in the field. Successful testing of the technology will make it possible for NSU to negotiate another agreement with the entire network of Russian Railways in early autumn. This would be targeted at inspecting the company's buildings and structures throughout the country.
Fedin explained,
Our express method for stress testing is based on acoustic waves. This makes it possible to determine several parameters at once on one object in 10-30 minutes. When applied to the contact network of the railway track it identifies the length of the support, Poisson's ratio (this is needed to identify the presence or absence of water in the support), and the fastening stiffness horizontally and vertically. Our team needed to go to the site for several hours over a couple of days to collect a complete picture of the state of the supports and propose measures to ensure their safe operation. Previously, Russian Railways specialists took up to 6 days to examine one object! In the future, by using our licensed technology, Russian Railways engineers will be able to quickly collect data on the technical condition of the network, including remotely, without violating the integrity of the structures.
On December 16 last year, NSU鈥檚 patented method for stress testing metals using acoustic waves was presented to Russian Railways representatives at a meeting with NSU industrial partners. Igor Simochkin, Head of the Center for Innovative Development at the West Siberian Branch of Russian Railways, was at the meeting and exchanged contacts with Fedin for further cooperation.
In the spring of 2022, Simochkin invited Alexander Kvashnin, Director of the NSU Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC), to speak to the chief engineers at all Russian Railways branches. They found the technology interesting and suggested the scientists conduct field tests. A roadmap to test the methodology was signed and the NSU scientists began work on the project.
Kvashnin noted, the work of scientists and students in the field was financed with funds from the Federal Program 鈥淧riority 2030鈥�. Instead of the standard budget method, NSU鈥檚 CTTC decided to use investment funds so that in the future additional funding for technology would bring a portfolio of projects, involve industrial partners, attract students, and create new educational programs.
Kvashnin added,
We are ready to offer Russian Railways another innovation, a cheap way to combat dust formation based on a Russian design and equipment. I spoke about this at a spring meeting with engineers. The application of the method will help maintain the water permeability of the ballast and ensure the safe operation of the tracks.
