CRE is an industry focused research centre with expertise in train dynamics, wagon and bogie dynamics, wagon/track system dynamics, erosion control within railway corridors, simulation, instrumentation and field testing.

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 the current Rail Manufacturing CRC and railway joint venture research groups, technical societies, standards groups and advocacy organisations. CRE 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—Contributions to Heavy Haul Train Dynamics; Train Control and Train Advisory Systems
• Assoc. Prof. Maksym Spiryagin—Contributions to Locomotive Traction; Rail Mechatronics
• Prof. Peter Wolfs—Innovations in Railway Sensor and Condition Monitoring Systems

Achievements of the centre

• Train control/energy studies and the development of the Intelligent Train Monitor product
• Rolling stock design and simulation - Improvements in mathematical modelling
• Instrumentation and smart railway vehicle technologies - Wagon Health Card

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Digital economy
• Energy
• Engineering
• Mining/resources
• Transport