Predictive control strategies used to solve challenges related to modern railway vehicles

This paper is an attempt to collate and critically appraise the recent advances in control strategies used to solve challenges related to railway vehicles which present nonlinearities and uncertainties. These strategies concentrate on stability of solid axle-wheelsets, guidance for wheelsets to provide the function of track following and curving to reduce all unnecessary creep forces and associated wear/noise. The focus is on active primary and secondary suspensions, braking and traction sub systems. This paper examines potential new and efficient applications of modern predictive control methods, analysis tools and techniques which could be used in effective and reliable condition monitoring systems allowing informed decision making on maintenance and renewals activities.