Systems engineering framework for railway control & safety systems

King, Karl Michael (2018). Systems engineering framework for railway control & safety systems. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

Traditional railway signalling systems have been based on fixed block train separation and line-of-sight signals to control the movement of trains. This has historically led to a segregation of both the functionality and the development of sub-systems such as signalling, rolling stock and control centres, all following a sequential design-based approach in their development.
These traditional systems are becoming increasingly redundant as the railway industry embraces modern systems such as the higher levels of ERTMS and CBTC. With the change to these complex systems of systems also comes a change in the way in which the industry must develop and deliver projects.
The railway industry has, at times, struggled to embrace systems engineering, as it is perceived to run against the safety-focused design approach that rightfully enjoys a high status within the industry. Many engineers in the industry who are familiar with the traditional design based approach also struggle with relating the new systems to the traditional principles that they are used to.
This research investigates the feasibility of producing a systems engineering framework that can be applied to all forms of Railway Control & Safety (RCS) systems in order to simplify their development and delivery.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):