Instrumented Wheelsets And Approval Tests For Nightjet

In future, a total of 33 Nightjets of the Viaggio Next Level generation from Siemens Mobility will ensure comfortable and at the same time climate-friendly travel in Central Europe. For the approval of the newly developed coaches, with new lightweight bogies, PJM is on board as an accredited test center according to ISO/IEC 17025. The Austrian system specialist was commissioned for the overall approval in cooperation with ÖBB. The contract specifically includes the measuring wheelsets as well as the approval tests in the areas of running behavior, fatigue strength, acoustics and aerodynamics.

Six instrumented wheelsets were developed and manufactured in Graz and then installed in the test vehicle at the ÖBB works in Wien. The test runs started in autumn 2021. The test train is in use throughout the entire Austrian rail network. To evaluate derailment safety, the first approval tests started in the field of running behavior, after which the bogies were upgraded for the test runs in the area fatigue strength. Finally, high-speed measurements follow for the aerodynamics area. The acoustic tests will complete the approval tests.

"For an extensive project like this, it is above all our metrology expertise and experience in bringing together all specialist areas that prove their worth. Due to the weather, there are always changes in procedures, for example during test runs in winter on the Arlberg at 1,000 m above sea level," explains Martin Josh, CEO of PJM. "A good collaboration with the project partners is also immensely important in large-scale projects. The cooperation with ÖBB's measurement group is excellent."