CRE is an industry focused research centre with expertise in train dynamics, wagon and bogie dynamics, wagon/track system dynamics, simulation, instrumentation, field testing and development of smart devices.

CRE works in partnerships with the rail industry providing high quality generic and commercial research, postgraduate education, innovation, development and consultancy services. CRE is a major supplier of research expertise to national rail research including railway joint venture research groups, technical societies, standards groups and advocacy organisations. CRE also undertakes directly funded projects for individual railway owners, rail operators and rail manufacturers and for ARC and other government granting agencies. The Centre is hosted by the School of Engineering and Technology at CQUniversity.

Website

https://www.cqu.edu.au/research/organisations/centre-for-railway-engineering

Organisation type

• University research centre

Number of research staff

Up to 20 research staff

Address

Building 70, Central Queensland University QLD 4701

Strengths and capabilities

• Train and Rail Vehicle Dynamics Studies
• Wheel-Rail Contact Mechanics Analysis
• Derailment Analysis
• Train Simulation
• Rail Vehicle Simulation (Stability, Roadworthiness, Safety)
• Locomotive Traction Simulation
• Full Scale Laboratory Testing (Rollingstock and large components)
• Instrument Innovation (Intelligent/Smart Systems)
• Train Energy Analysis
• Smart Sensor Product Development

Facilities and major equipment

• Heavy Testing Laboratory (HTL)
• Strong Floor: 200 tonne capable
• Area 8m x 24m - High Pressure Hydraulic Power Pack 350 kW
• Servo Cylinders: 450 tonne, 200 tonne, 50 tonne
• 500 tonne Tension/Compression Testing Frame
• 200 tonne Vertical Compression Testing Frame
• Test Rigs: Rail Joints, Draft Gears, Wagon Suspension
• Instrument and Device Development Laboratory
• Access to CQU High Performance Computing Facilities

Lead researchers

• Prof. Colin Cole, Director of the Centre for Railway Engineering, (CRE) ,CQUniversity—Contributions to Heavy Haul Train Dynamics; Train Control and Train Advisory Systems; Innovations in Railway Sensor and Condition Monitoring Systems
• Professor Maksym Spiryagin, Deputy Director of the Centre for Railway Engineering (CRE), CQUniversity—Contributions to Locomotive Traction; Rail Mechatronics
• Dr Qing Wu, Principal Research Fellow, CQUniversity—Contributions to Heavy Haul Train Dynamics; Train and Road Vehicle Control Systems; Modelling of thermal stability of Railway Tracks, Innovations in large scale computational analysis and simulation

Achievements of the centre

• Longitudinal train dynamic analysis – significant contribution to Heavy Haul train operation efficiency and safety in Australia (contributing research and advice to industry for 25 years).
• Control system software for long trains – two current patents.
• Train control/energy studies for decarbonisation.

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Digital economy
• Energy
• Engineering
• Quantum and advanced technologies
• Transport