In the introductory part of this lecture, the students learn to classify the rail transport system according to different criteria. Its advantages and disadvantages in comparison to the road transport are particularly emphasized and the possibilities to solve current social challenges by means of the rail transport are shown. Furthermore, the railway sector is presented, which can be coarsely divided into manufacturers and operators.

A presentation of the different rail transport systems comes next, including the operating conditions and the specialized vehicle categories used.

The boundary conditions that lead to the currently established vehicle designs and the possible ways to configure them are presented subsequently. This is followed by an overview of the representatives of the most important rail vehicle categories and their characteristics, separated into short- and long-distance traffic.

The technical part of the lecture mainly deals with the longitudinal dynamics of rail vehicles, i.e. traction and braking. A thorough derivation of the driving resistances is followed by the determination of the traction power and its realization through the powertrain. The next chapter deals with mechanical and electrical power transmission. After a short overview on signaling and train protection, an introduction to the brake system is given. The course ends with a discussion on examples of mainline trains, with emphasis on high-speed trains and urban rail vehicles with a focus on low floor tramways.

Sfz I: lecture in German language (V2/Ü2)

Contact: Christian Frowein, M.Sc.; Anh Hoang, M.Sc.

RV I: lecture in English language (L2/E2)

Contact: Axel von Stillfried, M.Sc. RWTH; Sebastian Winkelheide, M. Sc.

The IFS offers the module Principles of Conveyor Technology as elective subject within the occupational fields of the bachelor program and it is particularly recommended in the case of the occupational field Transportation Engineering.

The students will be provided with a compact and diverting introduction in the important and varied field conveyor technology, which is related to many sectors of the German mechanical and plant engineering.

The first focus is on transport theory. This is followed by details of electric hoist motors and ropes as an important machine element. Further focal points are cranes and belt conveyors as typical representatives of discontinuous and continuous conveyors. A final insight into storage technology rounds off the event.

The module “Principles of Conveyor Technology” is offered with 1/1 contact hours and 3 credit points and hence represents an interesting possibility for the bachelor’s degree program, since only few credit points are normally required from elective courses, but only modules with 5 to 7 credit points are mostly offered. Furthermore, the students can count on some extra time at the end of the semester for the preparation of the exams, since the lectures and exercises are going to be offered during seven weeks at the beginning of the semester as 2/2 contact hours. The lectures and exercises for the module “Principles of Conveyor Technology” take place in the summer semester.

GFT: lecture in German language (V2/Ü2)

Contact: Paul Schönhuber, M.Sc. RWTH

In vehicle engineering, the use of electronic and mechatronic systems for driver assistance, comfort enhancement or communication between different vehicle parts is continuously increasing. Pure mechanical systems do not often fulfil the strict requirements of comfort, safety and driving behaviour anymore. Against this backdrop, the students should be provided with an overview of the mechatronic systems that are usually present in vehicles.

In this lecture, special emphasis is placed on the components of mechatronic systems: sensors, signal processing, signal output, actuators and their interaction in applications for the vehicle construction.

This module is a joint event of the ika and the IFS.

Mechatronische Systeme in der Fahrzeugtechnik: lecture in German language (V2/Ü2)

Contact: Simon Klamt, M.Sc.

Mechatronic Systems in Vehicle Engineering: lecture in English language (L2/E2)

Contact: Nils Jendrny, M.Sc RWTH