Mechanical
IIJA Funding Cycle
2024CY Research Projects
The following research projects have been approved for the 2024 calendar year:
- Development of a Multi-Resonant Impact-Driven Energy Harvester (MRI-DEH) for
Electrification of Rural Rail Crossings [Exhibit D - M1CY24] - Effect of Long-Term Inactivity on Railcar Bearing Lubricant Performance [Exhibit D - M2CY24]
- FAST® Loop Comparison of Onboard Condition Monitoring Versus Wayside Detection
Systems [Exhibit D - M3CY24] - Lateral Load Effect on Railway Tapered Roller Bearing Performance [Exhibit D - M4CY24]
- Non-Contact Energy Harvesting for Rural Grade Crossings – Year 2 [Exhibit D - M5CY24]
- Ultrasonic Inspection of Reconditioned Railroad Bearing Components – Year 2 [Exhibit D - M6CY24]
2023CY Research Projects
The following research projects have been approved for the 2023 calendar year:
- Non-Contact Energy Harvesting for Rural Grade Crossings [Exhibit D - M1CY23]
- Ultrasonic Inspection of Reconditioned Railroad Bearings [Exhibit D - M2CY23] [Final Report - M2CY23]
- AI-Enabled Intelligent Vibration Sensor for Active Highway-Rail Grade Crossings [Exhibit D - M3CY23] [Final Report - M3CY23]
- Effect of Long-Term Inactivity on Railcar Bearings [Exhibit D - M4CY23] [Final Report - M4CY23]
- Next Generation On-Board Sensor Technologies for Rolling Stock [Exhibit D - M5CY23] [Final Report - M5CY23]
MAP-21 Funding Cycle
2017CY Research Projects
The following research projects have been approved for the 2017 calendar year:
- Prototyping and Testing of Electrically Conductive Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Railroad Suspension Pad [Exhibit D - M1CY17]
- Low Power Wireless Sensors for Railroad Bearing Health Monitoring [Exhibit D - M2CY17]
2015CY Research Projects
The following research projects have been approved for the 2015 calendar year:
- The Effect of Heat Generation in the Railroad Bearing Thermoplastic Elastomer Suspension Element on the Thermal Behavior of Railroad Bearing Assembly [Exhibit D - M1CY15]
- Development of Predictive Models for Spall Growth in Railroad Bearing Rolling Elements [Exhibit D - M2CY15]
- Radiative Heat Transfer Analysis of Railroad Bearings Using a Single Bearing Test Rig for Wayside Thermal Detector Optimization [Exhibit D - M3CY15]
- Demonstration of Magnetostrictive Materials for Self-Powered Monitoring of Rail Vehicle Suspension Components [Exhibit D - M4CY15]
2014CY Research Projects
The following research projects have been approved for the 2014 calendar year:
- Structural Integrity of Railroad Bearing Adapters with Modifications for Onboard Monitoring Applications [Exhibit D - M1CY14]
- Effects of Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofibers on Electrical and Mechanical Properties of a Thermoplastic Elastomer [Exhibit D - M2CY14]
- Modeling the Residual Useful Life of Bearing Grease [Exhibit D - M3CY14]
- Applications of Magnetostrictive Materials for Real-Time Monitoring of Vehicle Suspension Components [Exhibit D - M4CY14]
- Single Bearing Test Rig with Vertical, Lateral, and Impact Load Capabilities [Exhibit D - M5CY14]