Rodolfo Becerra
UTRGV Mechanical Engineering student Rodolfo Becerra, completed his UTCRS REU experience at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Mr. Becerra was interested in the dynamic simulation and analysis of mechanical systems. For this reason, his summer research work focused on the analysis of the different variables involved in the dynamic interaction of heavy vehicles with a Highway-Railway Grade Crossing (HRGC), as well as the potentially dangerous situations that may arise from such interactions. It is known that combination vehicles impose a higher risk at HRGCs because of their size and weight dimensions. Heavy trucks with a low ground clearance and a long wheelbase may become stuck at the rail tracks, and could be struck by a train. High road grades and track elevation increase the risk of trucks and trailers becoming high-centered on the track. Mr. Becerra’s study aids in the understanding of critical grade crossing and combination vehicle dimensions through the implementation of multibody simulation. Utilizing TruckSim, a dynamic simulation software, Mr. Becerra identified the critical parameters involved in the combination vehicle – HRGC dynamic interaction and their effects in such interaction. His work aids in the understanding of the dynamic limitations and geometric constraints of heavy vehicles and HRGCs to avoid catastrophic accidents.