Contents
2

Organization

3

Master Plan of RTRI
(RESEARCH 2005)

7

Major Activities in FY 200915

Activity Plan for FY 2010

19

Major Results of Research andDevelopment in FY 200931

International Activities

35

Appendix

Annual Report 2009

Hisashi TARUMI
President

ForewordS

ince I took office as President of RTRI in April, 2009,

completed in 2008 and is capable of simulating large-scale

RTRI has completed RESEARCH 2005, the basic plan

earthquake vibrations, obtained valuable results in the research

for the previous term, drawn up the basic plan for the nextof structures and vehicles. RTRI made a larger number ofterm, made progress with preparations for the reform ofpatent applications than had been targeted, and consequently,

public-interest corporations, and improved the environment

the total number of patents which RTRI owns has exceeded

and safety of the workplace. Furthermore, while RTRI

2,200. RTRI established a preparatory office for the Railway

has been sending out information about Japanese railway

International Standards Center in July 2009, staffing it withtechnologies to overseas railway organizations , it has taken

personnel from railway companies and manufacturers. In thesteps to establish a system to promote the work related tofield of international activities, RTRI promoted collaborativeinternational railway standards as a contribution towards theresearch with France, China and Korea, supported theincreasingly active efforts being made to export Japanese

preparatory work to hold the World Congress on Railway

railway systems.

Research 2011, and undertook preparations for the 10th

We have achieved most of the goals of the research
activities set for the fiscal year 2009. RTRI undertook researchInternational Workshop on Railway Noise scheduled to takeplace in 2010 in Nagahama.

& development for the long-term future, development ofRailways in Japan are likely to continue to have to cope

practical technologies, and basic research. In particular, RTRI

with difficult economic conditions. In 2009, we formulated

has concentrated efforts on completing projects related toour master plan for the next term, RESEARCH 2010, andfuture-oriented research tasks with longer research timescales.

subtitled it “Toward Sustainable Development of Railways.”

Regarding contract-based projects, although the total targeted

RTRI will continue to make efforts so that our research andamount has not been reached, RTRI received almost 600

development can further contribute to railway management.

orders from its customers despite the recent difficult economic

Due to a significant fall in transportation income experienced

situation. The Railway Technology Promotion Center preparedby the JR companies, it is certain that RTRI’s income

learning materials for leading railway engineers, and it continues

from contributions from the JR companies will decrease

to revise and renew them. RTRI has secured a sufficientconsiderably in 2010, which accounts for a large share of

number of researchers by employing both new graduates

RTRI’s operating funds. However, RTRI intends to overcome

and mid-career researchers, and it has actively promoted

this difficult situation with the wisdom and multidisciplinary

personnel exchanges with railway operating companies inexpertise of tenacious researchers, to promote sustainable

order to benefit from their accumulated technical expertisedevelopment of railways, and consequently, to contributeand to ensure that it is passed on to younger generations. As

to the development of Japanese society and the Japanese

for the test equipment, RTRI performed maintenance work

economy. I would highly appreciate your continued support

continuously and, by utilizing a vibration test stand which wasand advice to RTRI.

Organization

Organization
Organizational Structure
Vehicle Structure Technology
Division

Planning Division

Administration Division

Board ofTrustees
Board ofDirectors

Vice
Presidents

Vehicle Control Technology
DivisionMiyazaki Test
Center

Structures Technology Division
Power Supply Technology
Division

Accounting Division

Track Technology Division
Chairman

Auditors

President

Executive
Directors

Disaster Prevention Technology
Division

Information Management
Division

Health Insurance
Systems Center

International Affairs
DivisionInternational
Standards Center

Research & Development
Promotion Division

Wind Tunnel
Technical Center

Signalling & Telecommunications
Technology Division
Transport Information
Technology Division
Materials Technology Division
Railway Dynamics Division
Environmental Engineering
Division

Marketing & Business
Development Division

Human Science Division
Railway Technology
Promotion Center

Maglev Systems Technology
Division
Yamanashi Maglev
Test Center

Board of Directors
Title

Name

Chairman*

Eisuke MASADA

President*

Hisashi TARUMI

Vice President*

Mitsutoshi INAMI

Vice President*

Masao UCHIDA

Executive Director*

Norimichi KUMAGAI

Executive Director*

Atsushi ICHIKAWA

Executive Director*

Atsushi KAWAI

Executive Director

Hirohiko KAKINUMA

Executive Director

Seiichiro OI

Executive Director Tsutomu MORIMURA
Executive Director
Noriaki AZUMAExecutive Director

Shinji HAN’I

Income and Expenditure in FY 2009
IncomeExpenditure

Others
5.6 m. $Contribution fromthe JR companies
135.8 m. $State subsidies
8.1 m. $Total
172.6 m. $Total
184.3 m. $Expenses forcontract-based
projects
32.4 m. $Contract-based
projects
34.7 m. $Human Resources

Annual Report 2009

Executive Director

Toshihiko AOYAGIExecutive Director Yoshihira FUKUSHIMA
Executive Director
Hiroyuki OTSUKA
Executive Director

Yoshihiro SUDA

Executive Director

Mami AOKI

Auditor*Yasuhiro NAKAMURA

AuditorHidenori FUJII

AuditorYataro KIGUCHI(* Full-time)2(As of April 1, 2009)

Expenses for
R&D projects
84.3 m. $Others55.8 m. $(1 US dollar=100 yen)

Number of Projects
FY 2009

Total Number

521

Category

Ph. D. Degree Holders

139

R&D for the Future ofRailways
Development of Practical
Technologies(as of Apr. 1, 2009)

Numbers24
141

Basic Research for Railways

99

Standards/Surveys

14

Total

278

Annual Report 2009

Master Planof RTRI(RESEARCH 2005)
RTRI has carried out its R&D activities based on master plans prescribing basic policy.
From FY 1999 to 2004, it operated under the master plan RESEARCH 21. From FY
2005, RTRI started to operate its R&D activities based on the new five-year masterplan RESEARCH 2005 formulated in consideration of the progress of R&D over theprevious five years and changes in the circumstances surrounding railways.

Outline of the Master Plan
1. Backgroundexpected due to a decrease in the production-age
population.

In formulating the master plan, the following backgroundconditions were considered:Competition with other transportation modes isintensifying.
Demand for intermodal transport is increasing

Society and Economy

among railway users.

In the long term, the Japanese economy’s period of
low growth is expected to continue despite the trend

JR Companies and Other Research Organizationsof recovery shown in recent years.

JR companies and other railway operators are actively

The tendency of declining birthrate and the growing
proportion of elderly people will accelerate.

addressing environmental issues.
National universities and government-affiliatedresearch institutes have become independentadministrative institutions, enabling a tidal shift in the

network society.

role of R&D in the country.

The global environment is now a matter of primaryconcern among people.

RTRI
A new fundamental policy for R&D on the magneticallyTransportation
A decline in the number of railway passengers islevitated railway system is required.

Master Plan of RTRI (RESEARCH 2005)

Information and telecommunication technologies
are rapidly progressing to form a high-level information3

Master Plan of RTRI (RESEARCH 2005)

2. Fundamental Policy on R&D
Activities

3. R&D (Research and Development)(1) Basic Concept of R&D

Based on recognition of the current situation and the

RTRI will concentrate its power to promote effective

predictions described previously, RTRI established a

R&D activities. For this purpose, it set up Targets offundamental policy on R&D activities as follows:

R&D, which show the directions of R&D activities,

1. Create railway technologies for the 21st century.

and Mainstays of R&D, which clarify the fundamental

2. Demonstrate integrated power as a group of railway

categories of R&D (see Fig. 1).

engineering experts.
3. Respond quickly to needs.

(2) R&D Plan

4. Hand down railway technologies and accumulate[Targets of R&D]

basic expertise.

RTRI set up the following Targets of R&D:

5. Disseminate railway technologies and transmit
railway-related information.

1. Highly reliable railways (for safety and stability)
2. Railways with increased convenience (for rapidity,
convenience and riding comfort)

Based on these policies, RTRI will work hard to live

3. Low-cost railways (for economy)

up to the expectations of JR companies and various

4. Environmentally friendly railways (for harmony withthe environment)

other industries.

[Mainstays of R&D]
RTRI set up the following three Mainstays of R&D inconsideration of the importance of environmental
issues, the development of information andtelecommunication technologies, improvements in theDevelopment of Practical
Technologies

R&D for the Future of Railways

Basic Research for Railways

reliability, convenience and riding comfort of railways,
and the reduction of costs in railway businesses:
1. R&D for the future of railways
2. Development of practical technologies
3. Basic research for railways
In the area of R&D on the magnetically levitated railway
system, RTRI will promote R&D activities mainly toapply the various accumulated technologies and knowhow on superconductive magnets and linear motors toHighly Reliable Railways
Railways with Increased Convenience

conventional railway systems. It will also conduct R&D
to maintain the Maglev-related technologies required
for this purpose.

Low-Cost Railways

Annual Report 2009

Environmentally Friendly Railways

4(3) R&D for the Future of Railways
RTRI promotes R&D for the future of railways as acollection of transversal study projects to bring about
technological breakthroughs for future railways aimed
at practical application within five to ten years.

Fig.1 Basic Concept of R&D Activities at RTRI

The basic concepts set up for the projects are as

Annual Report 2009

Table 1 R&D Projects for Future Railways

Target of R&D
Highly reliable [Improvement of therailwayssafety of train running][Stable transport]
Railways withincreased
convenience

Low-cost
railways[Much more convenient
railways][Improvement of riding
comfort][Reduction ofmaintenance costs]

Environmentally [Noise reduction]
friendly railways[New forms of energy]

Project Title
Configuration of a signaling system using the RAMS index and its
application
Development of a method of evaluating vehicle dynamic characteristics
using a hybrid simulator
Seismic evaluation and countermeasures for existing railway facilities
Application of IT and sensing technologies to equipment management
Development of a broadband communication technology for railways
Efficiency improvements for transport planning based on dynamic
demand estimation
Development of human simulation technologies to improve safety andriding comfort
Development of a model to predict rail failure and ballast track
deterioration and evaluation of maintenance work reduction
technologies
Development of an innovative low-maintenance, low-noise track
Development of an analytical tool to predict rolling noise and structureborne noise, and measures for noise reduction
Development of fuel cell rolling stock
Application of linear motor technologies to conventional railway systems

follows:

practical R&D projects focusing on the engineering

1. Projects should respond to the needs of JR companies

field, especially where it has a competitive edge

and social movements.
2. Projects should be pioneering and oriented toward
future railways.

or advantages in development, by using its own
knowledge, know-how and special or unique test
facilities.

3. Projects should make full use of research areasin which RTRI has a competitive edge or specific(5) Basic Research for Railways

characteristics.

RTRI promotes basic investigations to elucidate

4. Projects should be reflected in the development

railway-inherent phenomena and to establishof practical technologies or solutions for criticalevaluation methods as analytical research; it also

problems with such technologies.

promotes investigations for the application of new

The 12 assignments for projects set up based on thetechnologies and new materials to railways as probing

above concepts, whose research work started in FY

and introductory research. We recognize that this basic

2005, are shown in Table 1.

research should be conducted to germinate practicalrailway technologies or to serve as a foundation forthem, and that such work is essential in solving a variety

To enable timely response to the diverse requirementsof railway-related problems.

of JR companies, RTRI continuously promotes R&D

For the magnetically levitated railway system,

projects, as in the past, that are designated individually

RTRI promotes the development of durability test

by JR companies to solve local or on-site problems andand performance evaluation methods for ground coils

that can be practically applied in the field.

and superconductive magnets, as well as the necessary

RTRI promotes contract-based R&D projects,

studies on a Maglev riding comfort evaluation method to

not only with JR companies but also with various

maintain the technical ability required for application tocorporations, aimed at wide-ranging practicalconventional railway systems. RTRI will also participate

application of the research results.

in running tests on the Yamanashi Test Line as a means

RTRI also promotes carefully selected self-directiveof fulfilling the above R&D objectives.

Master Plan of RTRI (RESEARCH 2005)(4) Development of Practical Technologies

5Master Plan of RTRI (RESEARCH 2005)

4. Railway Technology Promotion
Center (RTPC)

particular attention to the transfer of technology
to the next wave of researchers. RTRI takes every
conceivable measure to adopt and educate its human

RTPC will promote various activities based on the

resources - the most important asset for any researchprinciples outlined below to solve the problems of its

institute.

member corporations by understanding their common
technological needs and to assure the reliability of(2) Securing and Training of Human Resources

railways overall.

RTRI will systematically recruit new graduates mainly

The Center will make efforts to promote its

in the field of railway-inherent technologies. We will

usefulness by providing information, and will make thealso invite experienced researchers who have excellent

necessary proposals to the government so that therecords in other research organizations. RTRI makes

results of its activities will be reflected in government

efforts to secure adequate human resources throughpolicies. RTPC will also organize workshops and opinion

a variety of recruiting channels.

exchange meetings to strengthen communications

In the area of education and training for humanwith members and enhance the transmission of

resources, RTRI will step up personnel exchanges

information.

with railway operators, including JR companies, and

1. Maintenance and Improvement of Technologicalwill develop researchers who are very familiar with

Capabilities

the on-site activities of railways. We also dispatch(by conducting technological support and administering

our employees to domestic and overseas research

the Railway Design Engineer Examination)organizations and universities to introduce or absorb

2. Systematization of Technologies and Problem

new technologies and research techniques.

Resolution(by providing technical standards, conducting survey(3) Personnel Planand research projects, and carrying out contract-

The number of RTRI employees at the beginning of FY

based projects)

2005 was 520. RTRI continuously recruits employees

3. Technological Information Services

needed for R&D on a priority basis, and plans to(by providing information on technologies, safety andimprove the efficiency of its management during theinternational standards)

period of this master plan to reduce the number of
employees to 510 by the beginning of FY 2009.

5. Management

Annual Report 2009

(4) Equipment Plan

6(1) Basic Concept of Management

RTRI will invest funds in equipment directly related toSeventeen years have elapsed since the privatization

R&D activities as a matter of top priority and updateof JNR; RTRI is now facing a tide of generation change

its test equipment, including the rolling stock test plant,

among researchers. To prevent technological gaps

which represents one of the advantageous features ofbetween the old and new generations, RTRI pays

the institute.

Annual Report 2009

Major Activities
in FY 2009
1. Activities Related to Testing and Research
1.1 Test and Research Projects

and buildings. Further, we developed a technique to

RTRI conducted 278 R&D projects in FY 2009, 103 ofdetermine the priority order for earthquake proofing

which were completed. The main results of the R&D

measures, by focusing on the life-cycle cost reduction

activity are as follows.

effect deriving from reinforcement.

1.1.1 R&D for the Future of Railways
R&D activities for the future of railways (innovativec) Signalling system configuration method using the
RAMS index and its application

topics for the future) aim to make technical- We proposed a functional specification for abreakthroughs and bring about system changes for

distributed train control system by which trains

the railways of tomorrow, with a view to putting thesecan continue to operate even if a component of

new developments into practice in about five to a little

the signal control equipment in a station area hasover 10 years time. According to the current basic plan,failed, and by conducting tests at RTRI we confirmed

RTRI’s R&D activities are based in total on 13 paths

that this was practicable. Further, we clarified theto innovation: four under the heading “High Reliability

conditions for a route where the effect of introducing

Railways”; three under the heading “Railways withthis system is high, by evaluation based on the

Increased Convenience”; three under the heading

concept of RAMS.

“Low Cost Railways”; and three under the heading“Environmentally Friendly Railways.” Figure 1 gives an
overview of the 13 areas of work.

d) Application of sensing technologies and IT to asset
management

In FY 2009, RTRI was involved in 12 fields of- We developed sensors, data collection andresearch (with 24 themes) and managed to achievetransmission technology, and data analysis andalmost all the predetermined objectives except forevaluation technology in order to provide continuous“Development of a Fuel Cell Vehicle," which wasmonitoring of the soundness of viaducts, bridges,

wound up after reaching completion in FY 2008.

tunnels, etc. Then, we conducted evaluation tests
at the site as well as in the premises of RTRI and(1) Highly Reliable Railways

confirmed that they were practicable.

a) Development of an evaluation method for vehicle
movement characteristics using a hybrid simulator- Thanks to this development, we were able to evaluate
the running performance of virtual bogies with a(2) Railways with Increased Conveniencea) Development of high-speed and large-capacity
information technologies for railways- We improved the hardware and software foron the rolling stock test stand, etc. RTRI developed

an optical laser system developed as a means ofa versatile bogie emulator whose characteristics cancommunication between ground equipment andbe arbitrarily set by adjusting nine actuators.

components on-board trains to increase the stabilityof communication. Moreover, we confirmed thatb) A seismic per formance evaluation andcountermeasures for existing railway facilities

communication at 500 to 700 Mbps is possible at arunning speed of 120 to 130 km/h. Thanks to on-- We developed measures to improve vehicle running

track tests on conventional lines, we also confirmed

performance such as a device to reduce the foldingthat the transmission/reception of Hi-Vision video

angle on structures, and measures to prevent damage

data is possible, this being one of the potentialfrom earthquakes to railway facilities such as masts

applications.

Major Activities in FY 2009

range of different characteristics, by means of tests

7

Major Activities in FY 2009(xii) Development of a fuel cell-battery
hybrid test vehicle (development of a fuelcell vehicle)(xiii) Application of superconductivity and linear motor
technologies to conventional lines (application of linear
motor technologies to the conventional railway system)
Development of: a rail
brake which reduces
the heat generated onrails by eddy-currents,using linear motor
technologies; a flywheel
electric storage device
using superconductor
magnetic bearings,
etc.

Running tests were performed on avehicle on which the newly developed
100kW class fuel cell was mounted,
leading to the development of a hybrid
control mechanism comprising a fuelcell and a secondary lithium-ion battery(xi) Development of a tool to predict rolling/structure-borne
noises and develop measures to reduce them (development ofan analytical tool to predict rolling noise and structure-borne noise,
as well as noise reduction measures)
Development of noise prediction
technique for rolling/structureborne noise using a physicalmodel based on the principle ofgeneration of sound at the source,
and proposal of measures toreduce this noise(x) More sophisticated maintenance work on current
collection systems to improve high speed running
performance on Shinkansen (study on performance
improvement and streamlining of maintenance workfor the current collection system)

Railways(viii) Development of models for rail failure and ballasted
track deterioration (development of models to predict rail
failure and ballasted track deterioration, and evaluationof technologies aimed at reducing maintenance work)

Annual Report 2009

Development of new
track structures aimed atminimizing maintenance
costs

8

Friendly Railways

Low Cost

Proposals for high speed
running of Shinkansensuch as pantographmonitoring technologies,
trolley wire life cycle
prediction and extension,
greater accuracy andprecision in overheadcontact line installation,and high performancepantographs(ix) New low-maintenance and low-noise
tracks(development of innovative low-maintenanceand low-noise track)

Environmentally

Fig. 1 R&D for the Future of Railways regarding the Master Plan of RESEARCH2005

Development of a "railfailure prediction model”; a“ballasted track deterioration
prediction model” andtechnologies to reduce
maintenance work on rails
and ballast

Annual Report 2009(i) Development of a virtual vehicle running test system(development of an evaluation method for characterization ofvehicle dynamics using a hybrid simulator)
Multi-DOF devices/train set
test benches and real timecomputer simulation used
together to obtain accurate
rolling stock characteristics
and reproduction of train set
dynamics.

High Reliability(ii) Aseismic performance evaluation andcountermeasures for existing railway facilities, taking
into account interaction between them (aseismic
performance evaluation and countermeasures forexisting railway facilities)
Development of anaseismic performance
evaluation method
and common set ofcountermeasures for
all railway systems.

(iii) Railway facility maintenance management systemwith sensing and information-communicationtechnologies(application of sensing technology and IT to facility
management)
Development andverification of sensors
and data transmission
techniques, developmentof interface specifications
intended for transmission
network connection

Railways(iv) Evaluation and configuration methods based on
the RAMS index (signaling system configuration
method using the RAMS index and its application)

Railways with Increased

Development of an evaluationand configuration method forsignaling systems basedon the RAMS index andestablishment of basic
specifications for a distributed
signaling system

Convenience(v) Development of high speed and high capacity
information communication technologiesfor railways
Construction of a highcapacity mobile network,
using mobile communication
technologies, suitable forrailway environments(vii) Improvement of safety and ride comfort withhuman simulation technologies (development of
human simulation technologies to improve safety andride comfort)

Development of a sophisticatedestimating technique for user
demand; a transport planningtechnique, using results estimatedfrom user demand, etc.

Major Activities in FY 2009

Development of a wide
variety of tools to apply
human simulation
technologies in theevaluation and estimationof railway environments(vi) Techniques for estimating user demand and fordeveloping efficient transportation plans (increase theefficiency of transport planning based on dynamic demand
estimation)9

Major Activities in FY 2009b) Efficiency improvement of transportation planning
based on dynamic demand estimation- We have developed a rolling stock schedulingc) Development of a model to predict rail failure andballasted track deterioration, and evaluation oftechnologies to reduce maintenance work

algorithm and a crew rostering algorithm. Each- We developed an analytical procedure using the 3D

algorithm can plan the allocation of rolling stock

finite element method that enables the dynamicon the basis of the number of passengers, and it

response characteristics of ballasted tracks to bealso takes into account the constraints imposed bycaptured in detail, and we confirmed that thisvehicle inspection intervals and the working hours

can precisely evaluate the maintenance reductionof train crew. By combining these algorithms witheffect of the modifications made to the shape of thea timetable algorithm that was also developed, we

sleepers and the structure.

are able to draw up an effective plan for passenger
transportation which reflects demand.

(4) Environmentally Friendly Railwaysa) Development of an analytical tool to predict rollingc) Development of human simulation technologies toimprove safety and ride comfort

noise and structure-borne noise, as well as noise
reduction measures- We added five new scenarios to the drivers’- We measured the vibration and radiated sound of

ability improvement programme for responding

wheels, rails, and structures on service lines, and weto. Further, by using station simulators and from

confirmed that the prediction technique developed

measuring the results at actual stations, we clarified

for rolling noise and structure-borne noise isthat a simulation technique for evaluating the thermal

sufficiently accurate to be practical.

environment of station concourses is sufficiently
accurate to be practicable.

b) Application of linear motor technologies to theconventional railway system(3) Low-Cost Railways- We experimentally manufactured a full-scale linear raila) Study on performance improvement and streamlining

brake for tests on the roller-rig, and we confirmedof maintenance work for the current collectionthat the target brake force of 5 kN/unit could be

systemachieved, setting this as the target for commercial- We developed a trolley wire which has increased

operations. Thanks to the inverter control that wefatigue strength, and clarified with field tests thatdeveloped, we confirmed that braking was possible

the generated strain was approximately 10% lower

without an excitation power supply.

compared with a conventional trolley wire. Owing
to this, an increase in the fatigue life of about 1.5

1.1. 2Development

ofPractical

times can be expected. Moreover, we conducted aTechnologies

running test with an active pantograph whose contact

A total of 155 projects relating to the development offorce with overhead contact lines is controlled on thepractical technologies were conducted, and 56 of thembasis of dynamic characteristics, and we confirmed

were completed.

that its operation is more stable compared with theconventional method that directly feeds back the(1) Highly Reliable Railways

contact force.

a) Behaviour analysis of Shinkansen cars during
earthquakesb) Development of innovative low-maintenance andAnnual Report 2009

low-noise track

wheels after derailment and the track structure- We installed an experimental section of innovative

including the check/guard rails, in order to be able

track on a viaduct and on a soil roadbed in the Hino

to predict the running behaviour of the cars on thecivil laboratory. As the result of running tests withballasted track after derailment, and by means ofmotor vehicles, the level of vibration at the roadbed

simulation we clarified the effect of the check/guard

near the rails on the viaduct and on the soil roadbed

rails, etc. based on the difference in magnitude andwas reduced by 10 to 15 dB compared with that of

the characteristics of earthquakes.

slab tracks, and the level of vibration on the undersideof the viaduct was reduced by 5 to 15 dB.

10- We devised a simulation model representing theb) Development of a reinforcement design method bydrivers considered inconvenient, and we conducted

RC columns

tests with 52 people by using a mock-up where- We clarified the fracture mechanism of the extremely-

the position of the driver’s seat and the height ofshort columns of rigid-frame viaducts which area foot stool were changed. Then, we proposed

reinforced by wrapping steel plates around themthe dimensions of a driving cab which conforms toto establish this method of reinforcement, and wedrivers with a wider range of physiques than thedeveloped a construction method for reinforcing

present design.

Annual Report 2009

wrapping steel plates around the extremely-shortthe beams of existing viaducts using arched steel
material.

(3) Low-Cost Railwaysa) Development of a body-mounted inertial versinec) Development of a temporal and spatial evaluation
technique to determine the risk of slope failure
during rainfall

measuring device- We clarified that the standard deviation of reproducible
errors of measurements was limited to 0.5 mm even

- We developed a technique to evaluate the risk of awith poor linear conditions during running tests on

slope that changes temporally and spatially duringcommercial lines, and that the track inspection cars

rainfall, and we established a method for practicallyoffer satisfactory performance.

utilizing the technique, such as identifying the spots
having a high risk of slope failure and studying orinvestigating the level of rainfall when operations
should be restrictedb) Rapid restoration method for damaged
embankments- We developed a construction method to improve thestability of embankments by utilizing large-size sandd) Measures to improve the interference-proof
properties of low-frequency track circuits

bags for preliminary restoration, and to restore amore permanent reinforced structure we used rod-

- We experimentally manufactured a track circuit

type reinforcing members. We also confirmed using

where the noise identification function was

a 1/10-scale model that high aseismic performanceenhanced by sending the phase-switched current

can be obtained.

in a predetermined pattern from a transmitter and by
detecting the phase variation pattern with a receiver.
Then, we confirmed that the allowable value againstc) Aseismic evaluation technique of old-type steel piersin city areas

interference current in long track circuits had been

- We proposed an aseismic evaluation technique against

increased threefold, and that the interference-proof

large-scale earthquakes. Moreover, we studied/properties had been improved during field tests.

investigated the effect of various reinforcement
construction methods by earthquake response(2) Railways with Increased Convenience

analysis and clarified that the construction methoda) Practical implementation of a vertical vibrationby which the members between bridge piers are

damping control system using a variable coefficient

reinforced with braces is effective.

axle damper- We developed a variable coefficient axle damper
intended to reduce costs by improvement of thed) Development of a new midterm lubrication
mechanism for traction motor bearings

trials using the Shinkansen test car we confirmed

where deteriorated grease is kept at a distance fromthat the vibration acceleration power of around 10

the bearings and non-deteriorated grease is supplied

Hz due to primary bending of the car body can beclose to the bearings; this was applied during the

reduced to about 1/5. In addition, we conducted

midterm lubrication of induction motors’ bearings.

endurance running tests.

Further, during bench tests we confirmed that alubrication life corresponding to a running distanceb) Development of technology for improving theof 1.8 million km on conventional lines (compared

compatibility of driving cabs with drivers’ physiques

to 0.6 to 1.2 million km previously) can be obtained- From a questionnaire about the usability of driving

by combining the optimum period of midterm

cabs we identified those parts of the cab which

lubrication and the developed lubrication method.

Major Activities in FY 2009

damping force control valve, etc. and during running- We developed a new replacement lubrication method

11

Major Activities in FY 2009

(4) Environmentally Friendly Railways

remains the case for a certain running distance.

a) Development of an energy simulator for dieselhybrid railway vehicles.

d) Improvement of the sound source analysis evaluation- We developed an energy simulator that draws up

method for aerodynamic noise from car bodies andtrain performance curves and calculates energy

establishment of a technique to reduce the noise

consumption and the state of charge of the battery,- We developed a simulation technique for the air flowetc., for various types of diesel-hybrid railcars.

around the objects to which porous material had
been attached. Moreover, we analyzed the structure

1.1.3 Basic Research for Railwaysof the sound source by combining this technique andA total of 99 projects regarding basic research forthe evaluation technique for aerodynamic soundrailways were conducted, and 23 of these werefrom the condition of the vortex, and by attaching thecompleted.

porous material to certain parts of the pantographthe condition of the vortex was changed and the(1) Analytical Research

aerodynamic noise was reduced.

a) Technical development to improve the strength oflightweight stainless steel cars

(2) Exploratory and Pioneering Study- We captured details of the deformation behaviour of aa) Research into the improvement of accuracy forcar body structure when it is subjected to an impact

evaluation of current collection performance byon the bodyside. The method used was to conduct

measuring contact loss

a weight-drop test in which a compressed plate was- We devised a technique to measure contact loss

dropped on to the bodyside of a full-scale partial car

at night and during the day by detecting only the

body structure. At the same time, we established aultraviolet range of arc light generated at the point ofsimulation technique for the deformation behaviour

contact between trolley wires and pantographs, andof car bodies in a collision by means of the FEM (finite

we confirmed that it can be detected with sufficientelement method), and we confirmed that the test

accuracy by on-track tests on commercial lines.

results can be reproduced with sufficient accuracy.
b) Clarification of the impact load responseb) Quantitative evaluation of lightning protection
measures for level crossing systems- We proposed the lightning surge propagation model
along rails and the lightning surge analysis modelcharacteristics of rail pads under quasi-static loads- We developed an impact load testing machine thatcan evaluate the impact load response of rail pads
when they are subjected to loads.

for level crossing systems taking into account the
ground resistance, earth resistivity, etc., and we(3) Magnetically Levitated Railway

quantitatively evaluated the effect of measures toa) Research into the functional improvement of theprevent lightning damage by changing the installation

Magnetically Levitated Railway Vehicle System

method for the surge protection devices on the- We developed test equipment using a 1/12-scale

electronic train detector for the level crossing.

model train which consists of three bogies, two car
bodies plus one half-body. The equipment simulatesc) Research into the effect on running safety of surface

Annual Report 2009

conditions after wheel grinding

12

movement of the levitated railway vehicle whenrunning with a trainset. Further, we established a- We demonstrated that the risk of derailment caused

technique to simulate the movement of coupledby flanges climbing the rail increases just after wheel

vehicles and of the electromagnetic force, using

grinding because of the increased friction coefficient.

universal software for analyzing the dynamic

This was determined by means of running tests at

response of a large number of vehicles.

car depots and in the premises of RTRI; the tests

In addition, on the Yamanashi Test Track, running

used a dual-cylinder rolling contact testing machine,

tests were used to obtain data regarding the long-and simulation, etc. Moreover, we confirmed withterm durability of vehicles and ground installations.

the help of on-track tests on conventional lines thatlubrication just after wheel grinding decreases the

1.2 Contract-Based Projects

friction coefficient of the wheel surface and that this

The income for FY 2009 was about 3.2 billion yen

by means of the electronic library, we continued thethe total increased to 3.4 billion yen with the inclusion

work of compiling the electronic database of writtenof other income such as patent licence fees. Further,materials/data stocked in the library. The accumulated

the number of contract-based projects was 589. The

total number of main electronic written material/datamain projects were:

has reached approx. 60,000 items.

Annual Report 2009

against the target amount of 3.5 billion yen. In addition,

MLIT*: Survey and study for maintenance of railway
technical standards(4) Publications and Workshops

Local Gov.: Observation and survey of ground, etc.

RTRI published its own periodicals, such as “RTRI

around facilities

report,” “RRR,” and “QR.” We also held the annual

JRTT**: Tests, investigation and research relating to

RTRI Lecture (443 attendees) under the main theme

projected Shinkansen linesof “Aiming for safe and secure railway transportation,”

JR***: Research on seismographs

as well as 11 Monthly Presentations (992 attendees

Private Co.: Research into a gauge-changing train

in total), and 29 Railway Technology Seminars (1,414(Electric cars with variable track gauge)

attendees in total), etc.

Further, to inform the public about the results andachievements of research and promotion of contract-(5) Diagnosis and Advisory Services

based projects, we conducted technical meetings

RTRI offered consultancy services on 386 occasions(about 800 persons attended in total) and technicalregarding the investigation into disasters and the causes

investigation meetings with individual companies, etc.

of electrical power equipment failure, etc. in addition
to various types of technical guidance, at the request

1.3 Other Projectsof various railway companies.

(1) Surveys
activities, RTRI dispatched a staff member to UIC

1.4 Railway Technology Promotion
Center (RTPC) Activities

to collect information about European railway

In the Railway Design Engineer Examination, 140

technologies. Moreover, we conducted a survey

engineers out of 776 applicants in Tokyo and Osaka

about techniques regarding technical evaluation andpassed.

In order to acquire further knowledge for R&D†

application examples, for the technical trend survey thatIn terms of technical support, RTPC publishedcontributes to new technologies and research towards“Railway Technologies Learned from Accidents

the future of railways.

(signalling version),” a textbook for leading engineers,and started to edit a textbook on overhead contact(2) Technical Standards Development

lines. RTPC responded to 52 inquiries from its

RTRI drafted a revised edition of the “Design standard

members, conducted three on-site surveys and gave

for composite structure of steel and concrete” andon-site advice on three occasions, as well as holding

conducted surveys and research regarding the “Simple

the promotion center lectures at four locations. In

performance checking method for railway bridges,”

addition, it gave lectures and advice 13 times at training“Life extension of existing soil retaining walls,” andmeetings held by local railway organizations arranged“Car body vibration & displacement.” Further, weby rail advisers, and exchanged opinions with local

promoted the development of design tools, etc. as arailway organizations on 21 occasions. For providing

related theme of R&D.

information to members, RTPC made efforts to send(3) Information Services

Concerning survey and research work, RTPC

We collected domestic and international information,

conducted five project themes and completed

publications as well as written materials/data regarding

survey and research work relating to rational aseismic

railway technologies, and made them accessible via

reinforcement for viaducts. As to the railway safety

the internet and document retrieval services, etc. In

database, RTPC added information about serious

addition, to meet the objective of providing information

accidents that have occurred in the past and performed* MLIT: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism** JRTT: Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency*** JR: Japan Railway Company† UIC: Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer / International Union of Railways

Major Activities in FY 2009

out information using electronic media, etc.

13

Major Activities in FY 2009

analysis regarding the influence of delays and disruption(IWRN 10). In addition, we opened a homepage forfrom accidents causing injury or death on the level of

exclusive use and accepted applications for researchtraffic.

papers and their selection. Further, we sent out
information to domestic and international regions with

1.5 Other Activities

newsletters, etc.

(1) International Activities
Regarding the collaborative research with China and(2) Development of a Gauge Changing Train

Korea, RTRI participated in a seminar held in Beijing(Electric cars with variable track gauge)

and made a presentation. At the same time, we

As a member of the Free-Gauge Train Technology

selected the next theme for research. As for the

Research Association (FGT Association), RTRI

collaborative research with France and England, weparticipated in conducting measurements during

decided to hold a collaborative research seminar in therunning tests with the new trainset (on conventional

next year. Further, RTRI supported the preparatorylines, and on the Kyushu Shinkansen, etc.) and in thework for the World Congress on Railway Researchdevelopment of the new bogies, etc. Moreover, since(WCRR 2011), and promoted preparatory work forthe life of the FGT Association has been extended for 4

staging the International Workshop on Railway Noiseyears (until the end of 2013), RTRI decided to continue
participating in the association.

2. Others(1) Formulation of the Basic Plan for the next
periodrenewal of various test facilities.
Regarding general equipment, in order to deal

We formulated the basic plan - RESEARCH 2010

with aging components, we carried out one project- which shows the basic guiding principle for R&D

involving electrical equipment, and two water supply

activities, various projects, operations, etc. for the fiveand drainage equipment schemes.

years starting in 2010.
(4) Industrial Property Rights (Intellectual property(2) Dealing with Public Interest Corporationrights)Reform*Regarding patents, etc., RTRI made 242 applications

RTRI received authorization from MLIT for thein FY 2009 (last FY: 240 applications) in total. The

selection method for councillors, and we continued

number of patents granted during FY 2009 was 163

to make preparations to apply for approval to make thein total (last FY: 154). Consequently, the number oftransition to a public juridical foundation. These included

patents etc. possessed at the end of FY 2009 reachedmaking the first recommendation of candidates for

2,245 in total.

councillors to the council and the board of directors.

Annual Report 2009(5) Visitors

14(3) Improvement of Equipment and Facilities

Approximately 2,000 people visited the Kunitachi

RTRI carried out improvements such as increasing theInstitute and 140 people visited the Maibara Wind

vertical acceleration amplitude of the rollers of the rolling

Tunnel Technical Center. Around 1,700 people

stock test facility, and in February 2010 completed, as

attended the RTRI forum held in the Kunitachi Institutescheduled, a programme of improvements for higher(August 27 and 28), and 3,600 visited the open house

functionality of this equipment which has been infestival (October 10). Further, 8,000 visited theprogress for five years. In addition, we completed

open house festival held in the Maibara Wind Tunnel

18 projects for new construction, improvement, andTechnical Center (October 10 and 11).

* Public Interest Corporation Reform: In the new legal system, general non-profit corporations, which consist of incorporated
foundations, will be created.

Annual Report 2009

Activity Plan
for FY 2010
1. Fundamental Policy
The Japanese economy has been seeking the pathwill continue with our R&D activities focused on theleading to economic recovery in the midst of aapplication of a series of technologies and know-how

concurrent slowdown of the world economy. Not

such as superconducting technology, linear motor

only that, but the price of expressway tolls has beentechnology, etc., to conventional railways.

reduced. Thus, the circumstances surrounding the

Further, RTRI established the International Railway

railway business continue to be difficult. On the otherStandards Center in April, 2010, and full-scale activity

hand, from the viewpoint of global environmental

regarding international railway standards has started.

conservation, the momentum to re-evaluate the role

As for operations and management, we willof railways has been growing on a worldwide basis,

continue to make the necessary preparations to apply

and further, overseas deployment of Japanese railway

for approval for the transition to a public juridical

systems is also expected.

foundation by autumn 2010. Moreover, given theGiven these circumstances, RTRI formulated

situation where the refund to the Development Bank

the basic plan -RESEARCH 2010- which shows theof Japan is moving ahead rapidly during a time of

guiding principles of R&D activities, various projects,

severe economic constraint, we will ensure that major

operations, etc. for the five years starting in 2010, andimprovements are made to the operational efficiency

approval of the council and the board of directors wasof RTRI, and we will promote the effective utilization

obtained in November 2009.

of expenditure. At the same time, we will endeavour

Because FY 2010 is the first year of the new basic

to keep income other than that from contributions

plan, RTRI will concentrate its efforts on commencing

from the JR companies, such as revenue from contract-

the various plans systematically, based on the guiding

based projects.

policies.
In the field of research and development, RTRI
will undertake R&D work regarding intelligent trains,improving safety against natural disasters such as

In addition, we will promote occupational safety andhealth management and continuously strive to create
safe, active workplaces.
Based on the above, the important items to be
carried out in 2010 are decided as follows.

railways, aiming for further safety improvement and•R&D for the future of railways

harmony with the environment. At the same time,•Development of practical technology

we will advance research and development to bring•Basic research on railways

about less expensive and more convenient railways by•Promotion of contract-based projects

utilizing IT, etc. In addition, we will continue to upgrade•Activities of the Railway Technology Promotion

our simulation technology. We will proceed effectively

Centerwith R&D by strengthening collaboration with domestic•Activities of the Railway International Standards

and overseas universities, research institutes, etc. As toCenterthe Maglev (magnetically levitated) railway system, we

Activity Plan for FY 2010

earthquakes, further improving energy efficiency in

15

Activity Plan for FY 2010

2. Activities Related to Testing and Research
2.1 Test and Research Projects

systems,” RTRI will develop intelligent trains, bogies

In 2010, RTRI will make a fresh start with R&D forthat are resistant to derailment, and measures tothe future of railways and conduct the development

prevent or limit the damage from natural disasters suchof practical technology as well as basic research on

as earthquakes, in order to dramatically increase therailways. In implementing these developments,

safety and reliability of railways.

we will make special efforts to upgrade simulation

For “highly efficient utilization of energy,” we willpropose a method to reduce the energy consumption

technologies.
Further, in order to promote R&D efficiently, RTRI

of vehicles by reducing air resistance, improving

will carefully select the tasks to implement, and we

efficiency and reducing the weight of apparatus, as well

will make positive use of the collaborative research &as a new power supply system for reducing operational

contract research that we conduct with universities

energy consumption, in order to formulate a railway

as well as with other research institutes. In addition,system that utilizes energy in a highly efficient way.

we will make use of R&D reviews, etc. where RTRI

For “innovation in maintenance,” we will establish

receives advice as well as evaluation from research

condition monitoring techniques, fault detection/

advisers who are external academic experts.

diagnosis technologies, as well as prediction techniques
to identify degradation caused by age in equipment that

(1) R&D for the Future of Railways

requires maintenance. In this way we will promote a

RTRI will promote tasks covering the development

reduction in maintenance costs and develop renewalof technology that has the potential to create a large

technologies for life-expired structures, etc.

ripple effect when it is implemented, and we will

For “preservation and development of railway

also undertake basic research in the expectation of

networks,” we will implement the development ofachieving an epoch-making breakthrough. In 2010,

technologies at/around stations that make it easier

we will set five new large tasks related to the four R&D

to transfer between different railways or transport

targets of the basic plan and implement 11 individual

modes.

tasks (see Table 1). One other task is planned to start

We shall also proceed with the development ofprediction and evaluation methods concerning thein FY 2011.
Moreover, as for the five large tasks, we will
implement them as follows, during the next fiveenvironment along railway lines where faster runningis envisaged.
Further, we will develop evaluation techniques foryears.
For “safety, reliability improvement of railway

vibration and ride quality, etc., in order to promote theTable 1 Large tasks and individual tasks constituting “R&D for the future of railways”

Annual Report 2009

Large tasks

16

Individual tasks
Safety, reliability improvement using intelligent trains
Safety, reliability improvement of railway Safety improvement against derailment, collisionsystems
Safety improvement against meteorological disasters
Safety improvement against earthquakes
Energy saving of vehicles
Highly efficient utilization of energy
New power supply system
New condition-monitoring maintenance technologies
Innovation in maintenance
Innovation in structure renewal technologies
Evaluation of and measures to improve in-vehicle comfort
Evaluation of and measures to improve the environment along railway
Preservation and development of railway
lines for faster running
networks(Planned to start in FY 2011)
Smooth transfers at traffic nodes
Formulation of the railway simulator
Design and development of the core system for the railway simulator

Annual Report 2009preservation and development of railway networks, by

the ground coils, and for improved performance of theenhancing the advantages of rail travel and emphasizing

high-temperature superconducting magnet, etc.

the superiority of railways to boost demand.
For “formulation of the railway simulator,” we will

2.2 Contract-based Projects

formulate the design of a highly-functional railway

RTRI will continue the practical application of thesimulator which recreates the behaviour of each part

achievements of its R&D work, mainly with systemof the railway system. The simulator will be able tointegration and technical consulting. For this purpose,

duplicate the entire behaviour of the railway system by

we will positively promote contract-based projects,

comprehensively combining the different constituents.

such as the introduction of RTRI’s achievements
through technical forums and technical meetings,(2) Development of Practical Technology

etc., and endeavour to achieve the income target of

RTRI will conduct technical development to solve

3.3 billion yen as well as balance the profit and loss.

specific problems in the railways identified by the

Further, when we promote contract-based projects,

respective JR companies, and, after careful selection,

we will ensure thorough quality control.

RTRI will carry out tasks in which it enjoys superior
knowledge or advanced development.
In particular, we will develop a train control

2.3 Other Projects(1) Surveys

system for quiet lines by using general-purpose radio,

RTRI will systematically and continuously collect,

we will use the flow-field control method to reduceanalyze, evaluate and store technical information

aerodynamic noise from pantographs, and we will use

about domestic and overseas railway technologies

the preservation/control method for post-tension typeand related fields. We will also implement surveys on

PC beam, etc.

technical trends in the various fields which contribute

In pursuing these various developments, RTRI will
ensure that it fully understands the needs of the railway

to new technologies and research for the future ofrailways.

companies by working closely with them, and it will
also strive to achieve results quickly.

(2) Technology Standards Development
RTRI will engage in checking the performance of(3) Basic Research on Railways

steel/concrete composite structures, and conduct

While reflecting the needs of railway companies, RTRI will

investigation/research regarding a simple checking

conduct research to clarify phenomena that are inherent

method for bridges, and life extension of existing soil

to railways and which are needed to solve various railway

retaining walls, etc. Further, we will promote R&D in

problems. This research will include the application of new

relevant fields.

technologies and materials, and the work will also address
research methodology and ways to upgrade simulation(3) Information Services

technologies.

RTRI will collect and make available domestic/overseas
publications, written materials regarding railway
technologies, and provide information utilizing theslopes, research into the improvement of evaluationinternet, as the information communication facility that

accuracy for the aerodynamic force acting on vehicles

can quickly provide correct technical information about

caused by side winds, and research into operational errors

railways for railway-related engineers and researchers.

committed by drivers, etc.
Further, for the Magnetically Levitated Railway System,(4) Publication and Workshops

RTRI will participate in running tests on the Yamanashi Test

RTRI will issue periodical publications of “RTRI report,”

Track, and conduct research for an inspection method for“RRR,” “QR,” and hold the annual RTRI Lecture,

Activity Plan for FY 2010

In particular, for conventional railways, we will conduct
research on the quantitative risk evaluation index of bedrock17

Activity Plan for FY 2010

Monthly Presentations, and Railway Technology

and Examination Committee, the Standards Center

Seminars, etc.

conducts activities as the domestic council organization(5) Diagnosis and Advisory Servicesof the International Electrical Commission (IEC), TC9

RTRI will provide consultancy services such as

which is the railway-related (= Electrical Equipment

investigating the causes of accidents, offering technicaland Systems for Railways) expert committee. It also

guidance, and supplying lecturers, at the request ofengages in activities for the council secretariat of railway-

railway companies, etc.

related standards of the International Organization forStandardization (ISO). Further, it promotes strategic

2.4 Railway Technology Promotion
Center (RTPC)

study/investigation of international standardization and

RTPC will promote various projects, and at the sameas well as providing support for the utilization of publishedtime continue to provide information on its activities,

standards, etc. Moreover, it sends out information toreflecting the needs of members in the work it

railway-related staff and the general public, and also

undertakes. Specifically, RTPC will fully develop theendeavours to contribute internationally.

puts forward new proposals for international standards

activities of rail advisers in order to pass on theirknowledge of railway technologies and prevent existing

2.6 Others Activities

technologies from deteriorating. It will also prepare

In October 2010, the 10th International Workshop on

learning materials for leading engineers. Further,

Railway Noise (IWRN 10) will be held at Nagahama,

RTPC will take charge of the Railway Design Engineer

in Shiga Prefecture. As part of its collaboration with

Examinations in Tokyo and Osaka. It will also promote

overseas railway-related research institutes, RTRI will

investigation and research based on the requests ofcontinue to implement collaborative research withmembers. Moreover, RTPC will provide information

SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Françaisand enrich its safety database. At the same time, it will

= French Railways), with the UK Railway Safety andperform activities in co-operation with local railway

Standards Board, with the China Academy of Railway

organizations, and strengthen communication with

Sciences, and with the Korea Railroad Researchmembers as well as sending out information.

Institute. Further, we will support preparatory work for

Annual Report 2009

the 9th World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR

18

2.5 Railway International Standards
Center2011) to be held in May, 2011 in Lille, France.

The Railway International Standards Center was

Train, RTRI will conduct planning for the running tests

established in April 2010 and it has commenced full-with the new trainset, carry out measurements during

scale activity regarding international railway standards.

the running tests and contribute to the improvement of

Based on the policy and proposals, etc. indicated by

the new bogies, etc., as a member of the Free-Gauge

the Railway Technology Standardization ResearchTrain Technology Research Association.

Regarding development of the Gauge Changing

3. Others(1) Dealing with Public Interest Corporation Reformneeded to apply for approval to make the transition to

RTRI is making efforts to collect a wide range ofa public juridical foundation. Given the need to obtain

information relating to the public interest corporation

approval from administrative bodies to implement thereform, and RTRI will undertake the specific workchange, the target is to complete this by autumn 2010.

Annual Report 2009

Major Resultsof Research andDevelopment in FY 2009
I. Safety/Reliability
1. Formation of a Running Test Environment for a Virtual Train Set Using HILS
• RTRI developed a HILS system for railway vehicle as a virtual running test environment to replace actual test runs.
• It also developed a rapid prototyping bogie whose component characteristics can be changed using software.
Lateral actuator

Rolling stock test plant
Virtual car‘No. n-1’

Actual car‘No. n’Roller rig

Controller

Longitudinal actuatorat the axle box

Virtual car‘No. n+1’

Roller rig

Excitation commandcomputer

Controller

Anti-yawing actuator

Vertical actuator inparallel with the air spring

Fig. 2 Rapid prototyping bogie

Real-time network
Distributed real-time simulator)LJ &RQ¿JXUDWLRQRIWKHUXQQLQJWHVWHQYLURQPHQWIRU
WKHVLPXODWHGWUDLQVHW• RTRI developed a lateral damper for vehicles toprevent derailment in earthquakes.
• It also performed an actual bogie vibration
experiment and simulation, and confirmed that thedeveloped damper increases the limit of amplitude

Anti-earthquake damper
Scale factor

Ordinary damper

Improvement of safety
limit amplitude(by an average factor of 1.08)

Scale factor(anti-earthquake damper/ordinary damper)(a) Half-vehicle testing object

Limit of amplitude for running safety (m)for running safety by 17% at the maximum.

(b) Anti-earthquake damper

Excitation frequency (Hz)

)LJ9LEUDWLRQH[SHULPHQWRQDQDFWXDOERJLH)LJ /LPLW RI UXQQLQJ VDIHW\ IRU D 6KLQNDQVHQ YHKLFOHHTXLSSHGZLWKDQWLHDUWKTXDNHGDPSHUVMajor Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

2. A Lateral Damper to Prevent Vehicle Derailment in Earthquakes

19RightElevation

BridgeWheel elevation

Left
Wheelset position on
passage structures

Bridge piers

Adjustment girder

Rigid-frame viaduct

Wheel lateral displacement (mm)Contact with guard
Derailment

Jamming

Wheel elevation (mm)Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

Wheel elevation
Wheel lateral displacement

Time (s)3. S i m u l a t i o n o f Po s t Derailment
Ve h i c l e
Behavior• RTRI developed a vehicle behavior
simulation that can be used to quantitatively
evaluate the effects of a guard to prevent
secondary abnormalities after derailment.
• This)LJ([DPSOHRISRVWGHUDLOPHQWYHKLFOHEHKDYLRUDQDO\VLV

simulation

methodallowscomprehensive investigation of the effectsof countermeasures for vehicles, tracks andstructures during earthquakes.

New
type

Conventional
type

Near-infrared
ray camera

TabletPC

4. An Image Processing
System for Recognition ofSpecial Signals• RTRI developed an image processing

Confirmation of therange of visibility
from a distanceof 800 m or more

technique for recognizing slow-speed
notification signals from the inside ofvehicles.

Specific blinking pattern of the near-infrared ray
LED to allow confirmation of the range of visibility• It also developed an obstruction warning signalthat can confirm the range of visibility and a[2] Processing of
information[1] Event occurrence;
information on sudden
passenger sickness
from a conductor[6] Brake operation inline with emergency
control[4] Notch-off operationin line with speed
control[3] Speed limited to
45 km/h or below by
ATS ground coil (1)Example showing the outcome when the driver
noticed the speed control of 45 km/h at [4] but
executed brake operation after noticing
the emergency control at [6].
Operation
activity index
Notch operation[5] Emergency brakeapplication by ATS
ground coil (2)Brake operation

Own train

Annual Report 2009

• RTRI developed an educational training
to respond to problems/abnormal

ATS groundcoil (2)Deactivationof light

ATS groundcoil (1)Deactivationof light

ATS operation
Directionof travel

5. A Program to Develop
Drivers’ Ability to Respondto Problems

program to improve drivers’ ability

Emergency control
Operatingenvironment(b) Example of visualization
system display(a) Simulator tasks and examples of driver activities

20

related recognition device.

Precedingtrain
Calling position
marker of thesignalExample in simulator tasks

Example ofdriver actions)LJ2EVWUXFWLRQZDUQLQJVLJQDOYLVXDOFRQ¿UPDWLRQV\VWHP

situations.
• It also developed a system of visualizing
results in order to enhance the effects ofeducation by awareness.

)LJ([DPSOHRIDWDVNLQYROYLQJEORFNVLJQDOGHDFWLYDWLRQAnnual Report 2009

6. A Technique to Reinforce RC Rigid Frame Viaduct Beams Using Arch-Shaped Steel Plates• RTRI developed an effective rehabilitation method for the beams of existing RC rigid frame viaducts.
• It also confirmed through repair work that it is possible to reduce the construction period and costs compared to those of the existing

Load (kN)rehabilitation method.

Arch-shaped
steel plate(H-section steel+ Steel plates)
Reinforcing bars
for shear force
Reinforcing bars
for bending moment

Beforereinforcement
After
reinforcement

Doubled flexural
capacity

Displacement (mm)
)LJ([DPSOHRIÀH[XUDOUHLQIRUFHPHQWRIEHDPV)LJ 2XWOLQH RI WKH UHKDELOLWDWLRQ PHWKRG XVLQJ DUFKVKDSHG VWHHO
plates

FRP band plate

Applied load P (kN)

7. Techniques to Reinforce
the Tunnel Linings Using
FRP Plates

Innersurface oftunnellining• RTRI developed an inner-sur face
reinforcement method for tunnel linings
using FRP plates.

FRP band plate
adhesion method
Fiber sheetadhesion method

No reinforcement: Occurrence ofcompressive
cracking• Reinforcement can be performed with
Possibility of combined
usage with nets, etc.

almost no reduction in internal spaces ofCrown settlement μ (mm)tunnels.
• RTRI also conf irmed outstanding

Fig. 10 Outline of the FRP band plate adhesion
PHWKRG)LJ(IIHFWVRIUHLQIRUFHPHQW

presented basic specifications.

8. D e v e l o p m e n t o f a
Technique to Judge thePriority of Earthquake
Damage Countermeasure
Application for Railways
Facilities• RTRI proposed a technique to enable
judgment of priority for earthquake

Operating condition: passenger railways in large cities
DLLC Positions where aseismic reinforcement is to be executed
Bridge with low ductility
Bridge with low strength
Embankment
Masts
First-stage selection

First-stage selection

Second-stage selection

Second-stage selection(More effective)(Less effective)

countermeasures to be applied to railways
facilities using the amount of reduction inlife cycle costs (DLCC) before and after
such countermeasures.

Dependence of selected positions on earthquake activity factor(a) Area with high seismicity(b) Area with low seismicity

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

reinforcement effects/workability and)LJ([DPSOHRIHDUWKTXDNHFRXQWHUPHDVXUHSULRULW\MXGJPHQWXVLQJWKHSURSRVHGWHFKQLTXH

21

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

9. An Aseismic Evaluation Techniqueand Reinforcement Methods for
Old-Type Steel Structures with
Pivot Bearings

Reinforcement using lower
lateral braces• RTRI developed an aseismic evaluation technique
for the old type steel structures with pivot bearings

Reinforcement between
pillars using braces

often found in cities.
Pivot bearing• It also proposed a method of reinforcing girders
and pillars with pivot bearings and clarified theeffects of such reinforcement against a large-scale
earthquake.

Reinforcement ring

Pivot bearing reinforcement 2!!!!$!% ' (! !    

! !  !!$

  

!&(!

)LJ9DULRXVUHLQIRUFHPHQWPHWKRGVIRUROGW\SHVWHHOVWUXFWXUHV

10. M e t h o d to Eva l u a te t h eSoundness of Slope Protection
Work on Cut Earth Sections

 !

• RTRI clarified the earth pressure characteristics of theweathered layer applied in slope protection work on
cut earth and proposed an earth pressure evaluation!

formula considering the effects of weathered-layer
thickness.


   #    
     "
  
Fig. 14 Weathered layer earth pressure
FKDUDFWHULVWLFV FODUL¿HG E\ WKHH[SHULPHQWDQGFDOFXODWLRQXVLQJthe earth pressure evaluation
IRUPXOD $!%
!"!!  " "#!"$ !" !!$ $ ! !

• It also prepared a stability evaluation nomogram forslope protection work considering weathered-layer
thickness on cut earth.

)LJ6WDELOLW\ HYDOXDWLRQ QRPRJUDP IRUslope protection work considering thecut-earth weathering layer thickness

11. Safety Evaluation for Trains inStrong Winds

Evaluated position of criticalwind velocity for overturning(2.5 m above rail level)• RTRI clarified the characteristics of vehicle dynamics,
aerodynamics forces acting on vehicles and strong-Windwind under cross winds, and established a techniquefor quantitative evaluation of safety.
Annual Report 2009

• These achievements can be utilized as

22

countermeasures for strong winds from both sides
for hardware and software.
Height from peripheral ground: 6.9 m)LJ([DPSOHRIWKHUDWLRRIPD[LPXPLQVWDQWDQHRXVZLQGYHORFLW\DWWKHSRVLWLRQRI
DQDQHPRPHWHUZKHQWKHZLQGYHORFLW\DWWKHHYDOXDWHGSRVLWLRQRIFULWLFDOZLQG
velocity for overturning is set to 1.0
(PEDQNPHQWFDVH7KHZLQGGLUHFWLRQLVDJDLQVWWKHWUDFNVibration-damping device
Viscoelastic body

Annual Report 2009

12. A Vibration-Damping Device forPoles• RTRI developed a vibration-damping device forpoles to improve aseismic capacity and suppress
overhead contact line vibration.
• The device can be easily introduced in existing
facilities.

Steel plate
Pole)LJ9LEUDWLRQGDPSLQJGHYLFHIRUSROHV

13. Quantitative Evaluation of Lightning Protection Measures for Signaling Equipment due
to Simulation• RTRI proposed a lightning surge analysis model for the quantitative evaluation of lightning protection measures applied to signaling
equipment installed near rails.
• It also performed an experiment to confirm that the model offers a sufficient accuracy for practical use.
Lightning surge current(magnitude of lightning current to be input)
Equivalent circuit
model of equipment

Surge protection device model(mounted position; grounding
resistance value to be input)

Lightning surge
current model)LJ/LJKWQLQJVXUJHDQDO\VLVPRGHORIOHYHOFURVVLQJHTXLSPHQW

• RTRI developed a new track circuit that has a large
tolerance to disturbance and can respond to various
section conditions.
• It also developed a method to increase tolerance
to disturbance in long track circuits with only partial
equipment replacement.

Tolerance to disturbance (A)14. A Track Circuit with Improved
Tolerance to DisturbanceNew intermediate
track circuit
Improved longtrack circuit
TripleExisting longtrack circuit

Existing intermediate
track circuit

Frequency (Hz)

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

Lightning surge propagation
model of rail(earth resistivity value to be input)

The lightning surge voltage
occurred on the equipment and thelightning surge current invading into
the equipment can be calculated.

)LJ7ROHUDQFHDJDLQVWGLVWXUEDQFHLQWKHLQWHUPHGLDWHWUDFNFLUFXLWGHYHORSHG

23

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

II. Economy/Efficiency
1. A Midterm Lubrication Mechanism Involving the Replacement of Grease for Traction
Motor Bearings• RTRI developed a lubrication mechanism to ensure the replacement of deteriorated grease with non-deteriorated grease.
• It also clarified the midterm lubrication period that maximizes the life of lubricant effectiveness.
• A lubrication life corresponding to 1.8 million km of running on conventional lines was confirmed through a bench test.
Driving
grease࠙Before refillingࠚ࠙After refillingࠚ

PistonSection A-O
Deteriorated greaseNon-deteriorated grease

Vehicle inspection cycle 0.6 million km

1.2 million km

1.8 million km

Conventional caseof disassembly at
0.6 million km

Disassembly,
replacementof grease

Disassembly,
replacementof grease

New mechanism(no disassembly up
to 1.8 million km))LJ7KHQHZOXEULFDWLRQPHFKDQLVPDQGWKHVWDWHRIJUHDVHUH¿OOHG

Disassembly,
replacementof greaseNo
disassembly

Omission

Midterm
lubrication

No disassembly

Disassembly,
replacementof grease)LJ7UDFWLRQPRWRUPDLQWHQDQFH

2. A Pneumatic-Type Floating
Caliper for Shinkansen Vehicles• RTRI developed a pneumatic type of floating caliper
for Shinkansen vehicles that is interchangeable withthe hydraulic type.
• It also confirmed through testing that a level of brake
performance equivalent to that of the hydraulic typecan be achieved.
Elliptical diaphragm-pressing
mechanism)LJ3QHXPDWLFW\SHÀRDWLQJFDOLSHU

3. A Health Monitoring System for
Railway Structures
Collection by train

Annual Report 2009

• RTRI developed a prototype health monitoring
system incorporating a sensor to respond to major

Mobile telephoneradio waves

Real-time collection
using mobile
telephone networks

and various means of data collection/transmission.
• The system can select a sensor and transmission

Inspector

device suitable for the purpose of monitoring in
Manual collection by RF-ID

Command center/headquarters)LJ5DLOZD\VWUXFWXUHPRQLWRULQJV\VWHP

24

harmful alterations (deformation) to railway structures

ordinary or abnormal states.

Annual Report 2009

4. An Early Reinforcement ReconStruction Method for Damaged Embankments• RTRI developed a reconstruction method to reinforce embankments in the early stages using large sandbags and reinforcing rods.
• After preliminary recovery, continuous construction work can be performed toward regular recovery while maintaining train operation
for the reconstruction method.

Settlement (mm)Shotcrete
Large sandbags

Drainage pipe
Reinforcement rods

Prior and existing embankment
Measured position

Collapse
Preliminary recovery Proposed reconstruction method
Measured position

Measured position

Embankment
Input acceleration (gal))LJ2XWOLQHRIWKHSURSRVHGUHFRQVWUXFWLRQPHWKRG

5. An Index Allowing Effective
Evaluation of Patch Repair
Materials for Concrete)LJ$VHLVPLFFDSDFLW\ZLWKWKHSURSRVHGUHFRQVWUXFWLRQPHWKRG

Before test After 5 min. After 10 min. After 60 min.
Interface
Permeability at the interface was measured for evaluationof the moving resistivity of water.

• RTRI proposed a coefficient of permeability for theRepairCore sample material
collection
Interface
Permeability
Watermeasurement

interface between concrete and repairing material as
an index to allow evaluation for the quality of patch

enhancement after reinforcement and suppressionof redeterioration.

Coating atside faces
Concrete

100 times
or morePermeability• Control using this index enables durability

Ћ Good Quality Bad Ѝ

repair materials.

Water

Concrete
Type of repair material

6. A Carbody-Mounted Inertial
mid-Chord Offset Method Track
Inspection Device

Displacement gaugemeasurement range
Carbody
Bogie• RTRI developed an inertial mid-chord offset method
track inspection device to be mounted to theunderfloor of carbodies for commercial vehicles.

Bogie-mounted type

• A single device set can ascertain the 10 m-chordversine waveform (as opposed to the three sets
at least required in conventional track inspection),making it compact and economical.

Carbody-mounted type

)LJ'LIIHUHQFHVEHWZHHQERJLHPRXQWHGW\SHDQGFDUERG\PRXQWHGW\SH
Curve with a radius of 800 m
Reference data
Standard deviation=0.32mm
Standard deviation=0.26mm)LJ5HVXOWVRIUHSHDWHGLQVSHFWLRQVIRUWKHDOLJQPHQWRIDPFKRUGYHUVLQHLQD
curved section

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

)LJ0RYLQJUHVLVWLYLW\RIZDWHUDWWKHLQWHUIDFHEHWZHHQFRQFUHWHDQGUHSDLUPDWHULDO

25

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009III. Comfort/Convenience
1. A Vertical Vibration Suppression System by Controlling Variable Damping VerticalDampers in Parallel with Air Springs• RTRI developed a system of variable damping vertical dampers mounted in parallel with air springs to reduce carbody rigid-body-mode
vibration and bending vibration.
• It was confirmed in running tests that the system effectively improves ride quality.

Variable damping vertical damper

Controlequipment

Command current
for damping force

Acceleration sensor

Acceleration sensor
output(Air spring)(Carbody center)
Variable damping
vertical damper
Air spring

Damper supports)LJ,QVWDOODWLRQRIWKHYDULDEOHGDPSLQJYHUWLFDOGDPSHU)LJ9LEUDWLRQFRQWUROV\VWHPFRQ¿JXUDWLRQ

2. Phenomenon of Interior Explosive Sound Inside a Slab-Tracked Tunnel and aCountermeasure for its Reduction• RTRI clarified the generation mechanism of interior explosive sound when Shinkansen train encounters a compression wave inside aslab-tracked tunnel.
• It clarified that countermeasures to reduce micro-pressure waves (e.g., tunnel entrance hood) are also effective for the reduction of

TunnelSteepening of
wavefront

Pressure

Explosive
sound

Annual Report 2009

Train

26

Compression Oncoming train
wave

Pressure gradient of compression wavefront
observed from the train side (kPa/s)

the interior explosive sound.

Direction of train
movement

Direction of compression
wave propagation

W

ith

ou
to
pe Explosive sound generatedniO
ins peng
tal nins
lat g
ion sedis ctio
tan n
ce :

Explosive sound not generated

Distance (km)

)LJ3KHQRPHQRQRILPSDFWQRLVHLQVLGHDYHKLFOH)LJ(IIHFWRIFRXQWHUPHDVXUHVDWWKHVWDJHRIHQWU\RIRQFRPLQJWUDLQVAnnual Report 2009

3. Techniques to Estimate the Vibration Characteristics of Structural Members• RTRI established a technique for estimating the vibration characteristics of structural members up to 200 Hz using train excitation.
• It also drew up a quick-reference chart enabling simplified estimation of member vibration characteristics and judgment of resonancegeneration.

Accelerometer

Extraction of candidates of natural frequency,
vibration mode
Validation of the mode’s
reliability
Determination of natural frequency,
vibration modeD
to irectbri iondg pe
e a rpxis en
di

cu

lar

Di

e ratio

Frequency
analysis

re
cti
on
of
br
idg
ea
xis

Amplitud

Acceleration measurement undertrain excitation

Secondary vibration mode in the bridge-axis direction
and the direction perpendicular to it (72.1 Hz))LJ7HFKQLTXHWRHVWLPDWHPHPEHUYLEUDWLRQFKDUDFWHULVWLFVDQGDQH[DPSOHRIHVWLPDWLRQIRUWKHYLEUDWLRQPRGHRIDQLQWHUPHGLDWHVODE

4. Installation Guidelines Regarding Overhead Contact Lines Suitable for High-Speed
Shinkansen Running• RTRI proposed a new standard (installation guidelines) for overhead contact line installation to realize stable current collection even in
high-speed running beyond 300 km/h.

Curvature at supporting point(lifting ratio)(target value: ±1.0 m - 1 × 10-3 or less)

Supporting point
Hinged cantilever

Auxiliary
messenger wire

Dropper

Amount of sag
Contact wire

Span

Gradient within a span(target value: ±0.5‰ or less)Contact wire

Sag ratio ((amount of sag)/(span))(target value: ±0.4‰ or less)Base line gradient at
supporting point(target value: ±1.0‰ or less))LJ,QVWDOODWLRQHUURULQGH[DQGWDUJHWYDOXHV H[DPSOHRINPK

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

Messenger wire

Difference in gradient
between spans(target value: ±1.0‰ or less)27

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

IV. Harmonization with the Environment
1. An Energy Simulator for Diesel Hybrid Vehicles• RTRI developed an energy simulator for diesel hybrid vehicles that can be used to draw up a train performance curve and calculateenergy consumption.
• The simulator is applicable to various hybrid system configurations.

User interface
Vehicle conditions

Rail/running conditions
Train performance curve
Fuel consumption, SOC

Calculation part for train performance curves (Speedy)

Notch, speed, position, elapsed time

Tractive force, braking force

State of Charge

Vehicle model (engine, power transmission device, electrical equipment, fuel tank, storage battery, etc.))LJ2YHUDOOVLPXODWRUFRQ¿JXUDWLRQ

2. Prediction Model for Rolling Noise/Concrete-Bridge Noise and Evaluation of the Effectsof Countermeasures• RTRI developed a prediction model for rolling noise and concrete-bridge noise.
• The effects of countermeasures for rolling noise/concrete-bridge noise are estimated.

Tuned damping devices

Tuned damping devices for wheels(increasing the loss factor for specificvibration modes by a factor of 5)
Rolling noise : -0.0db㸪Concrete-bridge noise : 0.0db[2] Soft railpad(0.4 times the reference condition)
Rolling noise : +1.5db㸪Concrete-bridge noise : -1.5db
Increasing floor-deck thickness(1.2 times the reference condition)
Rolling noise : 0.0db㸪Concrete-bridge noise : -3.0db[1] Wheel turning and rail grinding(the minimum limit of themeasured data)
Rolling noise : -7.5db
Concrete-bridge noise : -9.5db
A rail damper(increasing the loss factorof rails by a factor of 4)
Rolling noise : -1.0db
Concrete-bridge noise : 0.0db

Annual Report 2009

Reference condition: conventional meter-gauge railway, Type-A rolled wheel, 100 km/h,
concrete bridge (floor-deck thickness: 250 mm), ballast track, railpad
stiffness: 60 MN/m; rail section without rail grinding

28

Rolling noise measured
at near-by rail
Concrete-bridge noise
measured at rear-side of floor deck

)LJ(VWLPDWLRQRIWKHQRLVHUHGXFWLRQXVLQJWKHSUHGLFWLRQPRGHOIRUUROOLQJQRLVHDQGFRQFUHWHEULGJHQRLVHAnnual Report 2009

V. Basic Research
1. Simulation-Based Clarificationof Aerodynamic Noise Reduction
Mechanism by Pasting Porous
Material• RTRI implemented simulation and wind tunnel
experiment to clarify that aerodynamic noise canbe reduced through stable airflow formation by
applying porous material to allow air suction andblowing into/from the material.
)LJ3RURXVPDWHULDOZLWKRSHQFHOOV

Vorticity(Clockwise rotation)(Counterclockwise rotation)

Simulation results

Blowing

Experiment results

Temporal non fluctuationof vorticity distribution

Surface of porous region

Temporal non fluctuationof vorticity distribution

SuctionFlow velocity at porous material surface

Porous materialWind
direction

Porous materialWind
direction)LJ9RUWLFLW\DQGÀRZYHORFLW\ZLWKSRURXVPDWHULDO

2. Numerical Simulation of Flow Around Vehicles Subjected to Lateral Winds

Downstream side
CenterAirstream

Embankment
height)LJ9HFWRURILQVWDQWDQHRXVZLQGYHORFLW\QHDUDQHPEDQNPHQW

Airstream

Fig. 40 Flow around the vehicles of a three-train set (visualization ofYRUWH[VWUXFWXUH

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

Upper stream side

Slow Wind velocity Fast

• RTRI developed a numerical simulation program that models natural wind and reproduces the flow around structures and vehicles.

29

Major Results of Research and Development in FY 2009

3. Evaluation Techniques for the
Buffering Performance of Rail
Pads

WeightPre-loading
apparatus
Rail pad• RTRI developed apparatus for impact experiments
considering the load conditions of actual tracks.

WeightFasteningsystemLoad meter• It also developed a technique to evaluate thebuffering performance of rail pads by measuring

Fastening system

impact response variables such as rail pressure using
the apparatus for impact experiments.

Pre-loading apparatus

Load meter)LJ,PSDFWH[SHULPHQWDSSDUDWXVGHYHORSHG

4. A Linear Rail Brake Prototype• RTRI experimentally produced a linear rail brake and confirmed that a braking force of up to 6 kN and a reduction effect on rail heatgeneration of 20 to 50% can be achieved with a roller rig testing machine.
• It also developed an inverter control system capable of brake operation even in the event of feeder circuit failure.

Linear rail brake(total length: 983 mm)

Auxiliary circuit line
(supplied from the battery)Diode

DC 100 to 600 V

InverterRail brake

Roller(1,110 mm dia.)Fig. 42 Linear rail brake prototype)LJ&LUFXLWFRQ¿JXUDWLRQFDSDEOHRIRSHUDWLRQHYHQGXULQJ
IHHGHUFLUFXLWIDLOXUHV H[DPSOHRIEDWWHU\XVHIRUDX[LOLDU\FLUFXLW

5. Small Scale Superconducting Magnet Using 2nd-Generation High-Temperature
Superconducting Wire
• RTR I manufac tured a high-temper ature
superconducting coil that can generate a magnetic
Annual Report 2009

field of 1 T at 50 K.

30

High-performancecryostat capable ofcold storage forlong periods• It also developed a high-performance cryostat thatcan keep the coil below 50 K for nine hours without
Built-in high-temperature
superconducting coil using
yttrium-based wire

a cryocooler.
• From the above, small scale superconducting magnet
that can generate a magnetic field of 1 T for long
periods was developed.

)LJ6PDOOVFDOHVXSHUFRQGXFWLQJPDJQHW

Annual Report 2009

International
Activities
1. Collaborative research with overseas institutes
RTRI has three major agreements to collaborate at an

research seminar has been held every year, rotatinginternational level: with China and Korea, with SNCF

among the three countries for the presentation of

in France, and with RSSB in the UK. In 2009, RTRI

research results and exchange of technical information.

collaborated on various fields of research under all

The 9th seminar was held in Beijing where CARS

three agreements.

hosted the event in December 2009.

In addition, several research divisions also

Currently RTRI is participating in projects relating

implemented collaborative research separately withto life-cycle cost, soil contamination, measurement

overseas railways and universities.

technology for overhead contact lines and pantographs,
safety of high-speed vehicles against derailment, EMC(1) China-Korea-Japan researchcollaboration

testing methods, and investigation and sharing ofliteratures about railway technologies.

The China-Korea-Japan collaborative research
agreement was originally two separate bilateral(2) SNCF-RTRI research collaboration

relationships: RTRI and CARS, China Academy of

RTRI and French National Railways (SNCF: Société

Railway Sciences, and RTRI and KRRI, Korea Railroad

Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français) have been

Research Institute. These two collaborative researchcollaborating in the research field since the two

programmes have evolved into a single trilateralorganizations signed an agreement in November 1995.

programme of collaboration among the three

In May 2007, a research seminar was held in France,

organizations, and, since 2001, a China-Korea-Japanand the fourth phase of collaborative research started.

International Activities

WK&KLQD.RUHD-DSDQ5DLOZD\5HVHDUFK7HFKQLFDO0HHWLQJ'HFHPEHU

31

International Activities

collection, track circuits, ride comfort, fuel cells, and(4) Collaborative research with otherinstitutes

measures against derailment; a further seminar was

Regarding railway companies, RTRI signed a researchheld in Tokyo in April 2010.

co-operation agreement with Swiss Federal Railways

The main fields of research are vehicles, track, powerand has been conducting collaborative research in(3) RTRI-RSSB collaborative research

the field of transit information. RTRI has also been

RTRI and Railway Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) of

conducting collaborative research with universities suchthe United Kingdom signed a collaborative researchas GeoDelft (GD; Delft geo-research institute) in theagreement in October 2008, and collaborative

Netherlands (durability of city tunnels), the University

research has been in progress since December 2008.

of Newcastle (tracks) in the UK, Massachusetts

The main fields of research are a safety database andInstitute of Technology (MIT; materials) in the USA,technologies for detecting flaws in axles.

and Cambridge University (structures) in the UK.

575,DQG566%PHHWLQJ6HSWHPEHU

2. Support for WCRR events

Annual Report 2009

The World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR)

32

on research activity.

originated with an international seminar held by RTRI

To support the organization of WCRR 2011, whichin Tokyo in 1992, when RTRI invited executives fromis planned to be held in May 2011 in Lille, France, RTRI

major railways around the world, who are in charge

has been sending executive directors and staff membersof research and development, to come and shareto the Organizing & Executive Committee. Throughtheir experience. It has developed into a series of

the work of organizing and executive committees,international congresses, in which railway engineers

RTRI has been striving to encourage the submission

and researchers from all around the world participate,of research papers, to seek sponsors and to identify

focusing primarily on railway technologies, especiallyorganizations that will take part in the exhibition.

Annual Report 2009

3. Co-operation with domestic organizations
RTRI has co-operated with domestic rail-related

Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
RTRI also participated in meetings about high-speed

organizations and contributed to the strengthening ofrail projects in California and Brazil in co-operation

relationships with overseas railways.
RTRI participated in intergovernmental working-with MLIT, Japan Railway Technical Service (JARTS),

level meetings between Japan and the UK in Tokyo,

and Japan-China Railway Friendship Promotion

between Japan and Korea in Seoul, between Japan and

Association. In addition, RTRI accepted long-term

China in Tokyo, and between Japan and Vietnam intrainees from China and visitors from various overseas

Hanoi, which were organized by the Ministry of Land,

organizations.

4. Collection of overseas technical information
RTRI has seconded researchers to UIC (International

development in European railways. Further, RTRI

Union of Railways = Union Internationale des Cheminsparticipated in the UIC’s meetings of experts, and madede Fer) and gathered information on research anda presentation at the UIC high-speed rail workshop.

5. Other activities(1) International conferences(2) Sending out information

RTRI is well advanced with preparations for hosting the

RTRI has issued its regular Newsletter four times,

10th International Workshop of Railway Noise (IWRN

and further, it issued the annual report for 2008 in

10) in Nagahama in October 2010.

English.

6. Visitors and Business trips
The statistics on visitors to RTRI from overseas

business trips abroad (classified by purpose of visit) are(classified by country) and on RTRI staff who madeshown in the following figures.

(1) Visitors from overseas

North America
EuropeChina
Korea
Others

350

300

250

200

100

50

0

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

International Activities

150

33

International Activities(2) Business trip to overseas

Technical surveys
Technical instructions
Joint researches
International conferences
Contract-based projects
Others

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

7. International Standards Survey Center
As a domestic review organization of the International

performed a feasibility study and prepared to deal with

Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC9 (= Electricalnew proposals in the ad hoc group.

Equipment and Systems for Railways), RTRI held

In November, RTRI joined the JISC-CENELEC

domestic committee meetings of TC9 as well as various

information exchange meeting held in Milano, exchanging

working group conferences; it also reviewed various

information with the railway working group.

proposed standards. RTRI promoted the development

RTRI held an international standards seminar inof standards which were proposed by Japan for theJanuary 2010, targeting domestic railway-related

short-stator linear induction motor (LIM), for the in-personnel. Moreover, RTRI supported a workshop

train communication network (TCN) of the Ethernet

hosted by the IEC activity promotion conference

type, and for capacitors for rolling stocks (electrolytic(IEC-APC) of the Japanese Standards Association (JSA),

capacitors and electric double layer capacitors).

targeting the railway field, and a member of RTRI gave

Regarding standards for radio-based train control, RTRI

an address.

8. Preparatory Office for Railway International
Standards Center

Annual Report 2009

RTRI established the Preparatory Office for the Railway

34(1) RTRI sought and recruited members who were inInternational Standards Center in the International

agreement with the organisation’s objectives.

Affairs Division in July 2009. With the objective of(2) RTRI co-ordinated the functions of domestic review

advancing international standardization activities inorganizations dealing with railway-related ISO

the field of railway technologies in the International

standards in order to take over the responsibilities

Organization for Standardization (ISO), in addition toof the secretariat for railway-related matters.

the conventional IEC/TC9, in an integrated fashion,(3) RTRI revised its internal regulations in order to

RTRI took the following steps in preparation:

set up the Railway International Standards Center.

A Brief History of RTRI
Date
1907
1949
1986
1987
1988
1990

1991

1992

1993
1994
1995

1996

1997

1999
2000

2002
2003

2004

2005

2008
2009

Appendix

2006
2007

EventsFounded as an in-house research institute of the Japanese government.
Became an in-house research institute of the Japanese National Railways (JNR).
Dec. 10
Establishment of RTRI as an independent organization authorized by the Minister of Transport.
Apr. 01
RTRI inherited the R&D arm of JNR upon its division and privatization.
Jun. 17
Running tests of the MLU002-type car started at the Miyazaki Maglev Test Track.
Sept. 27
RTRI Seminar on deep-underground railways held.
Nov. 09First RTRI Lecture on “Improving the Railway System.”Jun. 25
Basic plans of the technological development of the superconducting magnetically-levitatedtransport system and the construction of the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line approved by the
Minister of Transport.
Nov. 15
New rolling stock test plant completed.
Mar. 22
RTRI's Mid- and long-term master plan formulated.
Mar. 31
Test Plant E (human science) completed.
Oct. 16First railway technology exhibition (forerunner of the current RTRI Forum).
Sept. 29First lecture series on education (forerunner of the current Railway Technology Courses).
Oct. 13International railway research seminar on “R&D in World Railway -Today and Tomorrow-” (later
developed into WCRR).
Dec. 15
Japan-China joint research started.
Jan. 31
Brake Test Stands completed.
Nov. 04
RTRI website went on-line as the world's first official site on railway technologies.
Nov. 13
Agreement on cooperative research concluded with the International Union of Railways (UIC).
Jan. 17
Hyogo-ken Nambu earthquake (participation in recovery support activities).
Jan. 26
MLU002N-type car attained 411 km/h in manned running at the Miyazaki Maglev Test Track.
Mar. 29
Mid- and long-term master plan revised.
Nov. 13
Agreement on cooperative research concluded with French National Railways (SNCF).
Jun. 05
Large-scale low-noise wind tunnel completed.
Jul. 01
Yamanashi Maglev Test Center opened.
Jul. 01
Railway Technology Promotion Center opened.
Mar. 21First railway design engineer examination administered.
Apr. 03
Vehicle running tests started on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line.
Jun. 01
RTRI joined UIC.
Sept. 03
RTRI Technical Forum was held.
Oct. 19-23 World Congress on Railway Research 1999 (WCRR '99) held at RTRI.
Mar. 09
The Committee for the Evaluation of the Technological Feasibility of Maglev commented that
the JR Maglev has the practicality for ultra-high speed mass transportation system.
Apr. 01
RTRI’s Master Plan “RESEARCH 21” started.
Jun. 28
Japan-Korea joint research started (forerunner of the current Japan-China-Korea joint research).
Mar. 19
Current-collection testing facilities improved to perform testing at 200 km/h.
Mar. 31
Rail Advisor Program established at the Railway Technology Promotion Center.
Dec. 02
The world speed record of 581 km/h for a manned train (MLX01) attained on the Yamanashi
Maglev Test Line.
Oct. 14
Railway Technology Promotion Center won the Japan Railway Awards' Special Award for 2004.
Oct. 23
Niigata Chuestu earthquake (participation in recovery support activities).
Nov. 16
Two-train crossing test at a relative speed of 1026 km/h on the Yamanashi Maglev Test Line.
Mar. 11
The Committee for the Evaluation of the Technological Feasibility of Maglev commented thatthe key technology for practical application has been established.
Apr. 01
New Master Plan (RESEARCH 2005) formulated.
Nov. 02
New test car introduced.
Apr. 26
Running test of fuelcell railway vehicle succeeded.
Aug. 08
Accumulated running distance of the Maglev trains reached 600 thousand kilometer at the
Yamanashi Maglev Test Track.
Oct. 25
A battery-driven, energy-recycling light-rail vehicle opened to the Public.
Oct. 31
Completed Large-scale shaking table.
Jul. 01
Launched a section tasked with preparing for the Railway International Standards Center.

Annual Report 2009

Appendix35Appendix

Details of Research Subjects
Research subjects
Prevention of natural disasters
Improving running safety
Improving passenger safety
Improving reliability of facilities
Ensuring stable transportation
Safety control
Increasing speed on existing lines
Increasing speed on the Shinkansen
Improving journey times and convenience
Strengthening and increasing flexibility oftransportation
Improving transportation in urban districts
Improving ride quality
Improving transportation service
Barrier-free facilities
Improving information service
Enhancing efficient inspection
Improving inspection technology andIncreasing inspection accuracy and diagnostic
diagnosis technology
accuracy
Extending the life of vehicles, facilities, andmaterials
Improving security
New design methods, repair methods, andstructures
Systematic organisation of security
Efficient processing of security information
Enhancing efficient transportation control
Efficient transportation works
and planning
Measures to reduce noise and lowImprovement of wayside environment and frequency soundin-vehicle environment
Measures to reduce vibration
Energy-savings
Promotion of ecology
Other environmental measures
Dynamics and Tribology specific to railway
technology
Simulation
Analytical research
Safety and reliability
Human factors
New technologies (sensing technology,
monitoring technology, etc.)
Leading-edge research
New materials
Clarification of phenomena during high-speed running
Evaluating the performance of superconducting magnet, etc. and diagnosis technology forthe performance, etc.
Ensuring safety
Highly reliable railways

Highly convenient railways

Low cost railways

Environmentallyfriendly railways

Basic research of railways(Conventional railways)

Basic research of railways(Levitated railways)

The number of
research subjects
16
16
2
25
6
5
3
3
2
2
1
4
6
7
16
28
2
5
7
1
6
2
11
20
35
7
12
5
2
6

Technical standards
Survey study

9
5
278

Total

Annual Report 2009

Industrial Properties
Independently Owned

Jointly Owned

Total

Patents

1264

954

2218

Utility Models

0

0

0

Designs

21

0

21

Total

1300

966

2266
(as of March 31, 2010)

Number of Foreign Patents
Number of Registered Patents

Number of Countries where Patents are Registered57

126(as of March 31, 2010)36

A five-year master plan covering the activities of the Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI) has started. Since April 2010, RTRI’s
research and other activities have been based on the New Master Plan.

Annual Report 2009

Master Plan of RTRI (RESEARCH 2010)

The name of the New Master Plan has been defined as “RESEARCH 2010 - In Pursuit of Sustainable Development for Railways”. By
reflecting the progress of research and development and changes in the circumstances surrounding railways, this New Master Plan is aimed
at effectively promoting activities to fulfill RTRI’s commitments to various industries. The Plan aims to ensure that RTRI will carry out acomprehensive range of activities as a railway technical research institute and pursue sustainable railway development. For this purpose,
RTRI has set out the following basic policies:(1) Creation of new technologies aimed at sustainable development of railways(2) Accurate and quick response to demand(3) Information transmission and dissemination of results from its activities(4) Inheritance of railway technologies and using foundation technologies as the basis for more advanced research(5) Demonstration of expertise in research across the whole railway engineering spectrum as a railway engineering groupMoreover, for targets of research and development,
In the area of railways, RTRI will further pursue:- Improved safety- Harmony with the environment- Low cost
- Improved convenience
At the same time, RTRI will expand its specialist area by making greater use of simulation technologies. Figure 1 shows researchand development activities in the New Master Plan. Regarding research and development for the future of railways, five major themes
have been set, as shown in Fig.2, and several sub-themes composed of multiple research/development topics have been set within therespective themes, as shown in Table 1. Each sub-theme has been determined so as to promote a systematic way of working, according
to targets set within the major themes. Tables 2 and 3 also provide lists of typical themes in the development of practical technologies
and basic research for railways.
For the operational side, RTRI will make special efforts for the inheritance of railway technologies to ensure that knowledge of railway
technologies acquired in the past is transferred to today’s research teams, so that technical gaps will not open up between old and newgenerations. In 2010, the first year of the Master Plan, a new organization, the Railway International Standards Center, has been established,
and RTRI will suppor t this neworganization.

support and develop the Japanese
railway industry and so contributeto the development of Japan’s social
economy. This role goes back to theprinciple of establishing the ResearchInstitute when reforms associatedwith the privatization of JNR wereintroduced. Now, RTRI is at the stageof implementing wide-ranging advanced
research and development, working
from basic research to sophisticatedTargets forresearch anddevelopment

Development of practicaltechnologies

Basic research for railways

are determined to make efforts to

Research and development
for the future of railways

We, the staff members of RTRI,

Prioritizedobjectives ofresearch anddevelopment

Improved safety
Harmony with the environment
Low cost
Improved convenience

applications, while promoting close
co-operation with railway companies
and enterprises.
)LJ5HVHDUFKDQGGHYHORSPHQWDFWLYLWLHVDW575,

Appendix

We ask for your support andencouragement.

37

Appendix

Evaluation of onboard comfort and resolution of problems
Evaluation and control methods for railway environments
in relation to increased train speeds
Facilitating movement at transportation nodes

Improvement ofsafety and reliability
in railway systems

Maintenance anddevelopment ofrailway networks

Improved
convenience

Improvement of safety and reliability by using
intelligent trains
Improvement of safety against derailment and collision
Improvement of safety against weather hazards
Improvement of safety against earthquakes

ImprovedsafetyConstruction ofrailway simulators
Design and developmentof a core system for
railway simulators

Innovation inmaintenance

High-efficiency
energy use

Low cost
New condition-based maintenance technologies
Innovation of renewal technologies for structures

Harmony withthe environment
Reduction of railway vehicle energy consumption
New power supply systems)LJ5HVHDUFKDQGGHYHORSPHQWIRUWKHIXWXUHRIUDLOZD\V

7DEOH6XEWKHPHVUHJDUGLQJ5 'IRUWKHIXWXUHRIUDLOZD\V

Major theme: Improvement of safety and reliability in railway systems[Purpose]
Drastic improvement of safety and reliability in railways is targeted through the promotion of development toward highly intelligent railway
systems and anti-derailment bogies as a means of preventing railway accidents, and through the promotion of measures against natural disasters
such as earthquakes.
[sub-themes and main efforts]» Improvement of safety and reliability using intelligent trains• Advanced train safety control systems• Onboard sensing• Train’s driver support» Improvement of safety against derailment and collision• Anti-derailment bogies• Collision safety evaluation methods» Improvement of safety against weather hazards• Local weather simulation models• Hazard mapping technology• Rainfall and landslide hazard evaluation methods» Improvement of safety against earthquakes• Structural safety evaluation methods and countermeasure technology for large-scale earthquakes

Major theme: High-efficiency energy use

Annual Report 2009

[Purpose]
The construction of railway systems capable of high-efficiency energy use is targeted through the proposal of vehicles featuring reduced energy
consumption thanks to lower air resistance, efficiency improvements and weight reduction of equipment, etc., and new power supply systems
with reduced running energy consumption per passenger-kilometer.

38[sub-themes and main efforts]» Reduction of railway vehicle energy consumption• Weight reduction using new materials• Reduction of air resistance• Improvement of efficiency for onboard equipment• Consumption energy evaluation simulation» New power supply systems• Superconducting flywheels• Superconducting feeding cables• Low-loss semiconductor elements• Use of natural energy

[Purpose]
The reduction of maintenance costs is targeted through the establishment of status monitoring methods, abnormality detection and diagnosis
technologies, aging prediction methods for maintenance targets and the development of renewal technologies for structures requiring largescale improvement.

Annual Report 2009

Major theme: Innovation of maintenance[sub-themes and main efforts]» New condition-based maintenance technologies• Condition-based maintenance technologies for targets• Aging prediction methods» Innovation of renewal technologies for structures• Structure renewal methods

Major theme: Maintenance and development of railway networks[Purpose]
Maintenance and development of railway networks by leveraging the advantages of railways and thus boosting demand for railway transport
are targeted through the development of evaluation methods for ride comfort, prediction and evaluation methods for railway environments
accompanied with increased train speeds, and movement facilitation technologies for stations and surrounding areas.
[sub-themes and main efforts]» Evaluation of onboard comfort and resolution of problems• Evaluation and control methods for vibration and noise based on sensory characteristics» Evaluation and control methods for railway environments in relation to increased train speeds• Evaluation and control methods for railway environments» Facilitating movement at transportation nodes• Movement facilitation at stations and in surrounding areas• Railway-centered inter-modal transportation plans• Evaluation methods for passenger and freight transportation networks

Major theme: Construction of railway simulators[Purpose]
Development of simulators to realize actions in various fields constituting a railway system is targeted. An integrated combination of such
equipment is utilized as an advanced railway simulator.
[sub-themes and main efforts]» Design and development of a core system for railway simulators• Ground and structure group models• Airflow and aerodynamic noise simulators• Overhead contact line and pantograph simulators• Virtual railway test line prototypes

7DEOH7\SLFDOWKHPHH[DPSOHVLQWKHGHYHORSPHQWRISUDFWLFDOWHFKQRORJLHV

Theme- Post-earthquake early operation restart support system- Automatic fault locator for railway AC power lines- Efficient track repair for low-traffic sections- Assessment of aerodynamic force reduction effects provided by windbreak fences

7DEOH7\SLFDOWKHPHVLQEDVLFUHVHDUFKIRUUDLOZD\VClassification

Theme- Construction of a crack-life simulation model for wheels and axles- Study on the elucidation of lateral aerodynamic characteristics on running vehicles
through numerical simulation

Elucidation of factors causing deterioration and damage- Analysis of mass movement and chemical reaction inside concrete members- Construction of abrasion and crushing models for ballast

Enhancement of various assessment technologies suchas risk assessment- Analysis method for potential demand and modal shift possibilities for railway
freight- Creation of a risk assessment model in view of social conditions- Method for measuring and assessing magnetic field spatial distribution

Human factors- Study on signs for driving and control errors- Construction of a safety and security model in view of social factors

Appendix

Sophistication of simulation technologies

39Appendix

Recognition Record
Sponsoring organization

Award winnerCommendation by Minister of
Education, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology

Yoshihiro Terashita

Originality and ingenuity award for distinguishedservice

April 13, 2009

Commendation by Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry

Hiroyuki Nozawa

Encouragement award for international
standardization

October 15, 2009

Annual Report 2009

Sponsoring organization

40

Award

Date of commendationAward

Academic associations• The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers: Award of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers• The Japanese Geotechnical Society: Excellent Paper award for Young Researchers of the year 2008
• Japan Society of Civil Engineers: Research paper award, Technology development award, Encouragement award
for excellent presentation at the Tunnel Engineering Workshop, Award for excellent presentation in the Tunnel
Engineering Workshop, Research paper incentive award of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers• The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan: Excellent research paper publication award of the Institute ofElectrical Engineers of Japan• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK: PE publisher award selected by the editorialcommittee• The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers: Excellent research paper & lecture in the transport, logistics
division, General assembly award in the transport, logistics division, Performance award in the transport,
logistics division• The Japan Fluid Power System Society: Best lecture award• The Carbon Society of Japan: Technical award of the Carbon Society of Japan

Other associations• Nationwide invention award of the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, Director-General’s award of
the Japan Patent Office, Invention working performance award, Invention award• Fluid Power Technology Promotion Foundation: Research paper public commendation• Japan Electric Association: Shibusawa award• The Japan Railway Civil Engineering Association: Technical award• 7KH-DSDQ5DLOZD\&LYLO(QJLQHHULQJ$VVRFLDWLRQ6DNDWDPHPRULDODZDUGï2XWVWDQGLQJSHUIRUPDQFHDZDUG
• Japan Railway Electrical Engineering Association: Railway electrical engineering award• Association of Railway Architects: ARA prize• The Promotion Foundation for Electrical Science and Engineering: Incentive award of the Promotion Foundation
for Electrical Science and Engineering

RTRI’s in-house award[Outstanding achievement award for research & development]• Development and practical implementation of the ATS-X on-board speed checking system• Research into re-establishing adhesion during wheelslip in consideration of axle weight transfer[Outstanding achievement award]• Production of large vibration test equipment• Synoptic evaluation of aseismic capacity, targeting whole line sections• Investigation of causes for earth faults in a substation circuit breaker[Achievement award for research & development]• Development of a monitoring device for seismic damage of viaduct piers• Evaluation technique for winds caused by trains passing station platforms• Development technique for the shape of snow ploughs suitable for regions of heavy snowfall• Development of a verification method for measures to prevent derailment when running at high speed using
model vehicles• Research for evaluation of the aerodynamic force caused by natural winds and a dynamic analysis techniquefor vehicles[Achievement award]• Implementation of the railway technology lectures• Restructuring of the welfare system• Co-ordination and promotion of improvement for the safety and health management system• Implementation of diagnosis of the safety climate in workplaces• Improvement of the working environment by disposing of unnecessary items such as test apparatus/
instruments

As for general facilities, a total of 29 items were dealt with, including improvements to electrical facilities, safety measures to buildings
and facilities, and alterations to the water supply and discharge facilities. This was necessary because the equipment had become

Annual Report 2009

Newly Installed Testing Facilities in 2009

out of date.
As for testing apparatus, a total of 18 items were dealt with, including new installations, improvements, and replacement of testing
apparatus. An outline of the major items is described below, and the main testing equipment is shown in the attached document 7.

(1) Improvement of vehicle testing apparatus (Fig. 1)
Regarding the testing apparatus completed in 1990, improvements in safety and functionality, and renewal of aging equipment werecarried out over a period of five years, with all work being completed in February 2010, on schedule. These improvements were
implemented with the help of a state subsidy. The safety improvements include the installation of a new derailment prevention
guide and frame to prevent a vehicle body from overturning. Functional improvements include an increase in the vertical vibration
amplitude, and the installation of a new simulator for inter-carbody motion which reproduces the movement of coupled vehicles.
The renewal of aging equipment such as hydraulic apparatus and a control panel was also carried out. The installation of a simulator
for inter-carbody motion allows the motion of a vehicle on a test bench to be determined. The results obtained from experimentswith the simulator can be fed back into the vehicle design process, so improving the efficiency of vehicle development work.

)LJ9HKLFOHWHVWLQJDSSDUDWXVDGGLQJVLPXODWRUIRULQWHUFDUERG\PRWLRQ(2) Installation of new high-speed material testing machine (Fig. 2)
The testing machine can determine precise tensile stress-strain characteristics of various materials within a wide strain rate
range (approximately from 10 -2 to 10 -3 s-1) covering all possibilities from the quasi-static deformation rate zone to the high-speed
deformation zone. The maximum load is 5 kN, and the maximum displacement is 10 mm, and thus a flat plate-shaped specimen
having a thickness of 0.6 to 1.6 mm can be tested.

Appendix)LJ+LJKVSHHGPDWHULDOWHVWLQJPDFKLQH

41

Appendix(3) Installation of new low-vacuum scanning electron microscope equipped with energy
dispersion type element analysis function (Fig. 3)
The scanning electron microscope performs quantitative analysis of the three-dimensional surface shape of specimens such as
fracture surfaces of rocks and weathering products, in addition to performing precision analysis of mineral chemical compositionon the surface of rock samples without applying vapour deposition. The magnification of the electron microscope ranges from15 to 100,000, and the resolution is about 8 nm, which allows observation in high-vacuum mode and low-vacuum mode.

Scanning electron
microscope

Sample chamber
Energy dispersion
type element analyzer)LJ/RZYDFXXPVFDQQLQJHOHFWURQPLFURVFRSHHTXLSSHGZLWKHQHUJ\GLVSHUVLRQW\SHHOHPHQWDQDO\VLVIXQFWLRQ(4) Replacement of supercomputer (Fig. 4)
A supercomputer had been used in order to perform high-grade analysis and simulation in research and development work.
Responding to the future computation demand, the supercomputer was replaced by the next-generation model. The supercomputer
adopted in FY2009 was selected for its reliability and economy, for its ability to accept the transfer of existing applications, for its
suitability for general use, and for its ability to cope with future requirements, etc., thus the chosen model is a combination of a
specialized Cray XT4 for massively parallel computation with a specialized Cray CX1 for application operation. The total processing
capacity has become 10.8 Tflops (capable of executing 10 trillion and 800 billion floating-point operations a second) which is about
16 times more than the existing computer. From now on, the supercomputer will be utilized for numerical simulation, etc. whichis essential to analyze various phenomena relating to railways.
The main specification of the supercomputer is shown in Table 1, and the exterior appearance is shown in Fig. 4.
7DEOH0DLQVSHFL¿FDWLRQRIWKHUHSODFHPHQWVXSHUFRPSXWHU

XT4

CX1

Massively parallel computation

Application operation

268 (1072 cores)

24 (84 cores)

Memory capacity

2 TB

256 GB

Disk capacity

21 TB

1.5 TB

CLE2.1 (Cray Linux
Environment)

Linux (RedHat + EL5)

9.8 TFlops

1 TFlops

Function

Annual Report 2009

Number of processors(the number of cores)

Operating system
Theoretical computation
performance)LJ$SSHDUDQFHRIVXSHUFRPSXWHU ;7

42

Vol. No.

TitlesVol.23
No.4
Apr. 2009

Special Features: Vehicle Technology
REVIEW: Recent Research on Simulation Techniques for Railway Vehicles
PAPERS: A Method of Building a Vehicle Model for Hardware in the Loop Simulation and Evaluation of Amplitude-frequency
Response Tests Executed for Its Improvement
PAPERS: Characteristic Identification of Oil Dampers for Railway Vehicle by Using Neural Network
PAPERS: Fatigue Life Estimation of Welds on Truck Frames for Rolling Stock Based on Stress Frequency Distribution Caused byService Loads
PAPERS: Effect of Vehicle Running Conditions on Stress Frequency Distribution of Welds on Truck Frames
PAPERS: Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloys Used for Railway Vehicles
PAPERS: Development of a Method for Measuring and Evaluating Exhaust Emissions from Diesel Railcars
PAPERS: Development of a Braking System Equipped with Deceleration Feedback Control
RESEARCH REPORT: Failure Investigation of On-board Electronic Equipments for Trains

Vol.23
No.5
May 2009

Special Features: Design Technology for Steel an Composite Structure
REVIEW: An outline of the revision of the Design Standard for Railway Structures (Steel and Composite Structures)
PAPERS: Applicability Evaluation of Railway Steel Bridge Composed of Ni-advanced Weathering Steels and High Performance
Steel Materials
PAPERS: Evaluation Method of Buckling Resistances of Steel Members based on the Performance Based Design Method
PAPERS: Fatigue Design with Cumulative Fatigue Damage for Members of Steel Bridge
PAPERS: Fatigue Design Considering Simultaneous Train Loading On Double-track Bridges
PAPERS: Shear-Capacity Evaluation Method for the Shear Connectors for Composite Girders
PAPERS: The Design Method of the Continuous Composite Girders that Takes into Consideration Crack Formation of Concrete Slab
PAPERS: Verification of Overturning of Girders Under Severe Earthquakes by Simple Analysis Model
REVIEWS: An Outline of the Standards of Fabrication and Construction for Railway Structures (Steel and Composite Structures)
REVIEWS: Trial Design and Evaluation for the Revised Design Standard for Steel Structures and Composite Girders

Vol.23
No.6
Jun. 2009

Special Features: Materials Technology
REVIEW: Recent Trend of Research and Development on Materials for Railway
PAPERS: Environmental Assessment for Materials in the Railway
PAPERS: Effect of Temperature on Corrosion Rate of Reinforcing Bar in Concrete
PAPERS: Improvement of Concrete-Adhesive Water-Proof Sheet
PAPERS: Development of Rail Noise Insulating Material for Rail Joint Considered for Maintenance
PAPERS: Fundamental Study on Application of Traction Oil to Wheel/Rail Lubricants
PAPERS: Improvement of Wear Resistance of Solid Lubricant Coated Wheel Material Aimed at Application to Railway Wheel Flange
PAPERS: Evaluation of Fatigue Strength and Wear Property of Bolts for Fixing Contact Strips Made of Carbon-fiber Reinforced
Carbon Composite
PAPERS: Improvement of the Superconducting Properties of High Temperature Superconducting Wires for Railway System
RESEARCH REPORT: The Current Situation of the Use of the Rare-metals in Railways
RESEARCH REPORT: The Trend survey for Application of the New Advanced Materials to the Railway

Vol.23
No.7
Jul. 2009

Special Features: Environment Technology
REVIEW: Recent Studies on Environmental Technology
PAPERS: Analysis of Wayside Low-Frequency Noise from a High-Speed Train
PAPERS: A Numerical Prediction Method of Aerodynamic Noise Applicable to High Frequency Problems
PAPERS: Development to Reduce the Rolling Noise of Narrow-Gauge Wheels
PAPERS: Study on Prediction Model of Railway Noise at High-rise Buildings
PAPERS: The Methods for Analysis of Volatile Compounds Related to Odor in Railway Stations, etc.
PAPERS: Development of a Measuring Method for Microbial Degradation of Environmental Pollutants
OTHER PAPER: Measurement of Under-floor Air Flow on Board the Train and on the Ground

Annual Report 2009

RTRI Report

Special Features: Transport Information Technology
REVIEW: Recent Research and Development on Transport Information Technologies
PAPERS: Development of Demand Estimation Models for Inner-Regional Shinkansen Passengers
PAPERS: An Approach for Real-time Estimation of Railway Traveler Flow
Vol.23
PAPERS: A Train Rescheduling Algorithm Using Estimated Passenger Demand
PAPERS: Freight Train Driver Rescheduling Algorithm after Disruptions
No.8
Aug. 2009 PAPERS: Development of the Algorithm for the Station Shunting Scheduling
PAPERS: An Evaluating Method for an Economic Loss of the Passengers Who Encountered with Rail Transport Disorders
PAPERS: Development of a Job Assignment System for Maintenance Workers
PAPERS: Development of Middleware Supporting Interactive Data Measurement and Record System for Facilities Maintenance
REVIEW: Current Status of Sensor Network Research and its Applicability to Railways

Appendix

Special Features: Human Factors
REVIEW: Interdisciplinary Human Scientific Approach to Railway Transport Systems
PAPERS: The Development of an Vocational Training Program for Improving Train Driver Abilities of Coping with Extraordinary Conditions
PAPERS: Accident Round-table Discussion (ARD) Method for Improving Safety AwarenessVol.23
PAPERS: Development of Evaluation Method of Risk of Train Driver’s Error with Consideration on Inducement Factors
No.9
PAPERS: Development of Evaluation Method of Safety Climate in Work Site
Sept. 2009 PAPERS: Estimation of the Effects of Train Draft on Maintenance Workers
PAPERS: Effect of High Frequency Vertical Vibration on Ride Comfort
PAPERS: Simulation Experiment on Ride Quality for Long Travel
PAPERS: Questionnaire Survey on Railway Passenger’s Behavior after an Assumed Earthquake Disaster
PAPERS: Improvement in Provision of Information at Stations upon Suspended Train Services in PA System

43Appendix

Vol. No.

TitlesSpecial Features: Track Technology
REVIEW: Subjects on Track Technology Focussed on from Dynamical Point of View
PAPERS: Proposal of Evaluation Index for Rail Roughness and Planning System for Optimum Operation of Rail Grinding Car
PAPERS: Estimation Method of Short Wave Length Track Irregularity with Short Length Chord Versine
PAPERS: Evaluation of Effects of Roadbed Stiffness on Deformation Properties of Ballasted Track with DDA
Vol.23
PAPERS: Development of a Repairing Method for Ballasted Track by Filling Composite Gel Consisting of Water Glass and Polymer
PAPERS: An Effect of Automatically Irregularity Correcting Sleepers on Maintaining Track Level around Conversion Part between
No.10
Different Track Structures
Oct. 2009
PAPERS: Development of Short Fiber Reinforced Concrete Roadbed on Earth Structure
PAPERS: Development of New Design Tongue Rail Adopting New Arrangement of Heat Treatment and New Material of Improved Wear Resistance
PAPERS: A Study on Increasing Running Speed Limited Due to Installing Emergency Rail Cramp at a Spot of Rail Failure
PAPERS: Examination of the Micro Crack Propagation Caused by Rail White Layer and the Grinding Method
PAPERS: Initiation Condition and Preventive Measures for Center-line Shrinkage in Thermite Welds
Special Features: Vehicle Technology
REVIEW: Recent Trends of a R&D of Propulsion Systems in Abroad
PAPERS: Effect of Frequency of Crosswind on Dynamic Behavior of Railway Vehicles
PAPERS: Improved Effect of Carbody Side Strength by Ring Structure Composed of Inner Sub-Frames
PAPERS: Energy Efficiency Evaluation of Fuel cells and Batteries Hybrid Railway Test Vehicles
Vol.23
PAPERS: Ac Loss Reduction and Cooling Characteristic Improvement for Putting Superconducting Traction Transformer into Practical Use
No.11
PAPERS: Energy-Saving Effect of High Efficient Traction Motors in Electric Train
Nov. 2009
PAPERS: Influence of the Leveling Valve on Vehicle Dynamics at Low Speed on a Sharp Curve
PAPERS: Development of a Vibration Evaluation System for Railway Vehicles by Stationary Tests with Field-Portable Actuators
PAPERS: Effect of an Improved Control Technique of Wheel Tread Cleaner or Restraining Adhesion Phenomenon in Abrasive Block
PAPERS: Study on the Factors Influencing Generation of Scorings of Wheelseats of the Railway Axles and the Effectiveness ofSurface Treatment Methods

Annual Report 2009

Special Features: Structures Technology
REVIEW: Recent Research and Development on Structural Technology
PAPERS: Simulation of Earthquake Motions Based on Inversion of Phase Spectrum
PAPERS: Earthquake Damage Evaluation Method of Viaduct Group by Measurement of Response Angle of Columns
PAPERS: Seismic Damage Mechanism and Assessment of Aseismic Performance of Mountain Tunnels for Railways
Vol.23
PAPERS: Seismic Reinforcement Method for Existing Pile Foundations by Installing Sheet Piles around Footing and Connecting them Together
No.12
PAPERS: Development of Non-destructive Inspection Method for Concrete Material with Laser-induced Vibration
Dec. 2009
PAPERS: Development of a Beam-Column-Pile Joint of Rigid Frame Viaduct Using Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
PAPERS: Development of Internal Reinforcement Method for Tunnel Lining by FRP Plate
PAPERS: The Structural Design Method for Over-Track Middle-Rise Buildings
PAPERS: Evaluating Influence of Underground Construction on Groundwater Flow Interruption
PAPERS: A Passenger Flow Simulation to Evaluate Ease of Walking in Station44

Vol.24
No.1
Jan. 2010

Special Features: Maglev Technology and its Application
REVIEW: R & D on Superconducting Maglev and Attempts of Applications of its Technology to Conventional Railway System
PAPERS: Study on Applicability of Rare Earth High-temperature Superconducting Wires to Superconducting Magnet for Maglev System
PAPERS: Shock Assessment-resistant of a Surface Protection Layer for the Maglev System Ground Coils
PAPERS: Development of the Maintenance Management Method for Ground Coil Applied Information Technology
PAPERS: Evaluation of Characteristic of the Linear Motor Type Rail Brake Using an Electrical Equivalent Circuit
PAPERS: Numerical Analysis and Evaluation of Electromagnetic Forces in Superconducting Magnetic Bearings and Non-contact
Permanent Magnetic Clutch
PAPERS: Non Destructive Test of the White Layer on Rail Surface by the SQUIDOTHER PAPER: Reduction of Micro-pressure Wave Emitted from Portal of Side Branch of High-speed Railway Tunnel
RESEARCH REPORTS: The Results of a Survey on the Non-contact Power Supply Systems
RESEARCH REPORTS: Investigation of Possibility to Apply a Superconducting Cable to a Feeder
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE REPORT: Report on MAGLEV' 2008

Vol.24
No.2
Feb. 2010

Special Features: Power Supply Technology
REVIEW: Recent State of Researches on Power Supply Technology for Electric Railways
PAPERS: Development of New Protective Relay for Long Feeding Circuit
PAPERS: Reliability Improvement of Ground Fault Protection System in AC Feeding System Using an S-Type Horn Attachment Gap
PAPERS: Vibration Suppression Method of Electric Railway Pole with Viscoelastic Damper
PAPERS: Estimation Method of Contact Wire Strain based on Contact Force between Pantograph and Catenary
PAPERS: Pantograph Contact Force Monitoring on Commercial Lines
PAPERS: Methods of Reducing Local Wear of Contact Wires at Support Points
PAPERS: Applicability of Rain Flow Method on Fatigue Life Estimation of Contact Wire
PAPERS: Influence of Cross-sectional Shape and Structure on Antifatigue Property of Contact Wire

Vol.24
No.3
Mar. 2010

Special Features: Signalling and Telecommunications Technology
REVIEW: Recent Research and Development of Railway Signalling and Telecommunications Technologies
PAPERS: Development of ATS-Dx with Permissible Speed Profile Using an On-board Database
PAPERS: Improvement of Low Frequency Track Circuit against Noise using Simple Encoding
PAPERS: Modeling of Load Transmit Characteristics of Switching Equipments at Operation of a Switch-and-lock Movement
PAPERS: Application of GPS to Train Control System for Secondary Lines
PAPERS: Train and Traffic Prediction Control Method Adapted to Line Conditions
PAPERS: A Risk Evaluation Method for the Improvement of Railway Signalling Systems
PAPERS: A Method to Predict Quality of Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Picture Received in the Area along Railway Lines
PAPERS: Development of Radio Transmission Line Simulator along a Railway
OTHER PAPER: Improvement of Detection Accuracy of Tunnel Cracks Using Image Processing
More information is available on the following website.
URL: http://www.rtri.or.jp/infoce/rtrirep_E.html

Vol. No.

TitlesVol.50No.2
May 2009

Improving the Rigidity of Railway Vehicle Carbodies Using Non-Structural Members
Reduction Method of Surge Voltage on AC Railcar's Body
Development of a System to Calculate Energy Consumed by Diesel Railcars
Prediction Method of Tunnel Deformation Using Time-dependent Ground Deterioration Model
The Influence of Seismic Motion with Ground Irregularity on the Dynamic Behavior of Railway Vehicles
Analytical Studies on the Load Carrying Capacity of Riveted Steel Girders Subjected to Collision Damage
Techniques to Measure Effects of Passing Trains on Dynamic Pressure Applied to Sleeper Bottoms and Dynamic Behavior of
Ballast Stones
Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Roadbed for Slab Track on Clay Subgrade
Management Method for Large Wheel Loads and Lateral Forces Using Axle-box Acceleration and Track Irregularity

Vol.50No.3
Aug. 2009

Development of Contact-Loss Measuring System Using Ultraviolet Ray Detection
Evaluation of Resistance at Supporting Pulley of Messenger Wire and Its Influence on Current Collection Characteristics
Analysis Method and Abatement Measure of Magnetic Fields Emitted from Electrified Railway Substations
Evaluation Methods for Railway Signalling Systems from the Viewpoint of Availability
Method to Calculate Fluctuations in the Strength of Radio Noise Emitted from Electric Railway Systems
Detection of Slow-Speed-Notifying Signals Using Image Recognition from the Driver’s Cabin
Evaluation System for Transport Current Properties of High-Temperature Superconducting Wires
Basic Characteristics of Rail Brake Systems Using Linear Motor Technology
Study of a High-temperature Superconducting Magnetic Bearing for Flywheel Energy Storage Systems

Vol.50No.4
Nov. 2009

Building a Railway Vehicle Model for Hardware-in-the-loop Simulation
Fatigue Life Estimation of Welds on Truck Frames of Rolling Stock Based on Stress Frequency Distribution
Measurement and Evaluation of Exhaust Emissions from Diesel Railcars
Probability Calculation of Rainfall-related Slope Failure
A Method to Determine the Priority of Investment in Disaster Prevention for Rainfall-related Slope Failure
A Method to Estimate the Probability of a Train Encountering Gusts in an Operating Section
Numerical Estimation of Aerodynamic Interference between Panhead and Articulated Frame
Development of Ballasted Ladder Track Equipped with a Vehicle Guide Device
Development of a New Device for Investigating Creep Force between Wheels and Rails

Vol.51
No.1
Feb. 2010

New Concrete with Low Environmental Load Using the Geopolymer Method
Environmental Evaluation of Railway Material Changes Using LCA
Fundamental Study on the Application of Traction Oil as a Wheel/Rail Lubricant
Development of a Measuring Method for Microbial Degradation of Environmental Pollutants
Experimental Investigation of Low-frequency Wayside Noise from High-speed Train
Methods for Analysis of Odor-related Volatile Compounds in Railway Facilities
Evaluation of Applicability for Ni-advanced Weathering Steels and Bridge High-performance Steels to Railway Steel Bridges
Fatigue Design in Consideration of Simultaneous Train Loading on Double-track Bridges
REVIEW: Outline of Revision of the Design Standards for Railway Structures (Steel and Composite Structures)

Annual Report 2009

Quarterly Report of RTRI

More information is available on the following website.
URL: http://www.rtri.or.jp/infoce/qr_E.html

Monthly Presentations
NumberMain theme

Venue

Apr.15 ,2009

222th

Recent R&D on Environmental Engineering

Oval Hall(Osaka)

May.21,2009

223th

Recent R&D on Maglev Systems Technology

STeC Information Building (Shinjuku)

Jun.18,2009

224th

Recent R&D on Track Technology

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

Jul.16,2009

225th

Recent R&D on Rolling-stock Technology

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

Aug.19,2009

226th

Recent R&D on Signalling & Telecommunications Technology

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

Sept.16,2009

227th

Recent R&D on Disaster Prevention Technology

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

Oct.15,2009

228th

Toward Optimization of Dynamics System of Railways

Oval Hall(Osaka)

Dec.16,2009

229th

Recent R&D on Power Supply Technology

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

Jan.13,2010

230th

Recent R&D on Structural Technology

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

Feb.17, 2010

231th

Recent R&D on Rolling-stock Technology

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

Mar.17, 2010

232th

Recent R&D on Transport Information

Kougakuin University (Shinjuku)

AppendixDate

45Appendix

Railway Technology Avalanche (Newsletter of RTRI)
No.

TitlesNo.27,
Jun. 2009

President's Inaugural Address
Development of a Large Two-Dimensional Shaking Test Facility to Determine How Railway Equipments and Structures are
Damaged or Destroyed during an Earthquake
The 10th International Workshop on Railway NoiseThe 8th China-Korea-Japan Railway Research Technical Meeting
Structural Improvement of Existing Steel Bridges by Combining the Steel Girders with Concrete Decks
Development of a Contact-Loss Measuring System Using Ultraviolet Ray Detection
A Method of Managing Wheel Loads and Lateral Forces Using Axle-Box Acceleration

No.28,
Sept. 2009

Support for the Safety of Train Operation
A Life-Size Station Building Model
Development of Quakeproof Reinforcement Methods for Masonry Walls
Mechanical Performance Analysis of a Switch-and-Lock System for Shinkansen
An Algorithm for Rescheduling Freight Train Locomotives and Drivers
Extension of Grease Service Life for Induction Traction Motors for Railways

No.29,
Dec. 2009

Keywords are “Safety” and “Ecology”
New Supercomputer System of the Railway Technical Research InstituteImprovement of Pantograph Performance by Use of a Variable Stiffness Spring
Evaluating the Emission of “Musty” Smells
An Accident Round-table Discussion (ARD) Method Designed to Increase Safety Awareness
Development of an Eddy Current Rail Brake Derived from Linear Motor Technology

No.30,
Mar. 2010

The Information Infrastructure in RTRI
Report of the China-Korea-Japan Railway Research Technical Meeting
A Model of Two Types of Leveling Valve
The Restraint Effect of a Scoring Phenomenon in an Abrasive Block Used for Cleaning Wheel Treads Using Changed Control Techniques
A Non-Destructive Inspection Method for Concrete Elements in Tunnel Linings Using Remote Laser Sensing
Mitigating the Low Frequency Magnetic Field Generated by Substations on Electric Railways
More information is available on the following website.
URL: https://webform.rtri.or.jp/ent/entry/index.html

RTRI Lecture
Main Theme: Towards Safe and Comfortable Railway Transportation
Date:

November 13 , 2009 (Friday) 10:00 to 16:35

Venue:

Yurakucho Asahi Hall (Yurakucho Marion, 11th Floor)

Annual Report 2009

Titles46

Speakers

Affiliates<Invited Lecture>
A Bridge to Safe Structures and Comfort

Masao Mukaidono

Professor, School of Science and Technology, Meiji
University<Keynote Lecture>
Approach towards Research and Development for
Establishing Safe and Comfortable Railway Systems

Atsushi Ichikawa

Executive Director, RTRI

Preparing for Earthquakes

Masaru Tateyama

Director, Structures Technology Division, RTRI

Preparing for Weather Disasters

Hideo Kiya

Director, Disaster Prevention Technology Division, RTRI

Safety of Signalling Systems

Shigeto Hiraguri

Senior Researcher, Laboratory Head, Signal System
Laboratory, Signalling & Telecommunications Technology
Division, RTRI

Utilizing Information Technologies

Koichi Goto

Director, Transport Information Technology Division,
RTRI

Human Factors and Safety & Comfort

Koji Omino

Senior Researcher, Laboratory Head, Ergonomics
Laboratory, Human Science Division, RTRI‫ ڦ‬Basic policy for promoting global warming countermeasures
RTRI organized “The Global Environment Committee,” and it has since been making concerted efforts aimed at conservation

Annual Report 2009

Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures (Excerpt)of the global environment. In particular, by promoting the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, RTRI emphasizes the activities ofraising awareness among its employees, improving the efficiency of electrical systems, adopting energy-saving equipment, andpromoting and encouraging a policy of reuse, reduce and recycle. RTRI combines these activities with the measures establishedduring the basic fiscal year period, and it will implement greenhouse gas reduction measures accounting for 6% of the basic
discharge by FY2009.

‫ ڦ‬Expected total discharge of greenhouse gases in FY2009 (the final fiscal year in thescheduled period)
3,502 tonnes‫ ڦ‬Target for the expected total discharge of greenhouse gases
Within the scheduled period, countermeasures will reduce the discharge of greenhouse gases by 193 tonnes.

Report of Discharge of Greenhouse Gases in FY2009 (Excerpt)
1. Scheduled period for Global Warming Countermeasures
FY2005 to FY2009

2. Results for the total discharge of greenhouse gases• Total discharge of greenhouse gases in preceding fiscal year
[CO2]3,544 tonnes• Total basic discharge and changes in the total discharge of greenhouse gases compared with preceding fiscal years

Total discharge
Increase-decrease rate to the basic dischargeBasicdischarge

First fiscal
year

Second fiscal Third fiscal
year
year

3,695

3,622

3,191

-

2%

14%

Fourth fiscal
year

Fifth fiscal
year

3,692

3,544

3,252

0%

4%

12%

3. Progress of actions relating to the elimination of discharges of greenhouse gases
Basic measures
Progress of actions in eachcountermeasure category(Implementation of the action)

Partly completed
Operative measures(included in the basic measures)
Target measures

Partly implemented
Partly implemented

Estimated reduction achieved(by the target measures)

142 tonnes CO2

Estimated reduction rate(by the target measures)

3.8 %Reduction achieved by the target measures

Target reduction rate

2.0 %Appendix47

Appendix

4. Summary of progress of actions relating to the elimination of discharges of greenhousegases
At RTRI, the discharge of greenhouse gases caused by the consumption of electric power has reached 98% of the total discharge ofgreenhouse gases. Because of this, RTRI is focusing on a reduction in power consumption. The plan to reduce power consumption
shows good progress in FY2009 through the adoption of high efficiency lamps (ceramic metal halide lamps) in the laboratory,
the introduction of low-loss transformers, the control of air-conditioner temperature setting levels, etc. Compared with power
consumption in the basic fiscal year, consumption in FY2009 was reduced by 16%. In addition, the estimated reduction rate (inthe progress table) has reached 3.8%.

5. Policy for actions during this fiscal year and in succeeding fiscal years
RTRI will implement the following measures to achieve further energy savings:• Replacement of fluorescent lamps to inverter lighting types;• Change to high efficiency lamps (ceramic metal halide lamps) in the laboratory;• Adoption of low-loss transformers;• Control of air-conditioner temperature setting levels.

(FY2009=2009.4.1-2010.3.31)
Copyright© 2010 by the Railway Technical Research Institute. All rights reserved.

Annual Report 2009

Contact Directory

48

International Affairs Division, Railway Technical Research Institute2-8-38, Hikari-cho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 185-8540, Japan
URL: http://www.rtri.or.jp/

Editorial OfficeKen-yusha, Inc.
1-45-9, Hikari-cho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 185-0034, Japan
URL: http://www.kenf.or.jp/en/