Comparison of Train Traffic Parameters for Various Virtual Coupling Use Cases

Abstract

New principles of train separation allowing for capacity increase are in high demand under the conditions of infrastructure constraints, considering also ever-growing freight turnover at the Eastern segment of railway network.Currently, the most promising option is train separation based on virtual coupling technology, which, according to calculations, can provide an increase in carrying and transit capacity of up to 20 % compared to the classical technology of rigid coupling. At the same time, there are no methods for determining the use cases for applying the virtual coupling technology for specific sections of the railway supported by mathematical calculations.The article discusses five use cases for virtual coupling for sections with speed limits and presents graphical estimates of capacity for various speeds and lengths of sections with speed limit. It is concluded that virtual train coupling is advantageous for capacity increase on sections with infrastructure constraints, and further research is needed to justify the practical methods of its application.