Graduate students from the University of New Mexico’s Engineering Department recently turned their midterm exam into a real-world learning experience onboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Led by Associate Professor Fernando Moreu, seven students in an Advanced Dynamics course tested custom-built Low-Cost Efficient Wireless Intelligent Sensors (LEWIS sensors) on the train to study vibration and movement in a dynamic environment. The group, which included both Master’s and Ph.D. students from civil and mechanical engineering disciplines, conducted field measurements while riding between the Downtown Albuquerque and Kewa stations in late April.
This advanced course has been offered by Moreu every three years since 2016. It aims to prepare engineering students for real world implementation of fundamentals on sensing technology, linear systems, signal processing, and data acquisition. This is the first time the students took their exam on the train, and, according to Moreu, probably not the last based on positive feedback from the students.
Practical Application
Students built the LEWIS sensors, which are used to collect acceleration data across three axes, during the first week of class. Prior to the midterm, the sensors were used on campus to measure vibrations in handrails and metal structures. But the Rail Runner offered a much more complex test environment.
“The train surpassed all of them,” said Dr. Moreu. “It’s priceless to get outside of your regular environment, take the train, and figure out the best place to install the sensors.”
Students brought along zip ties, duct tape, laptops, and other tools to secure the sensors to the train and capture readings. They measured vibrations to the train from the wheels, track, and ballast. The data collected can help inform predictive maintenance, with the potential integration of AI models to validate that maintenance activities change the behavior of the train.
Another component of the exam included a more traditional hand-written test. The upper levels of two Rail Runner cars were used to accommodate one student each at a table for this portion of the exam.
Findings
According to Moreu, the capacity of the students to relate transfer functions, spectral density, Arduino sensors, and windowing and filtering – all components of their research – yielded impressive results. Among other findings, all of the students captured the first natural frequency of the train car to be between 10 and 14 Hz, which is expected for this type of passenger car.
The experience helped students bridge the gap between theory and application.
“They told me it was very interesting,” said Moreu.” They hear the lectures in class, but when they had the exam on the Rail Runner, it really closed the loop and made it all make sense.”
Helpful Crew & Encouraging Passengers
Along the way, students interacted with passengers, who were curious and supportive. Rail Runner staff also played a role in the success of the midterm, helping the students feel welcome and explaining key features of the train.
Dr. Moreu hopes to continue similar hands-on research projects with trains as part of the Smart Railroads Project. More opportunities for younger students to collect data in the field be on track this summer. Check out the June 2024 Ride Rio Metro blog post to learn more.
