Development of a wireless sensor for vibration measurement

Abstract

The Mass Rapid Transit, more commonly known as MRT, is a rapid transit system linking the major estates of Singapore. It is the backbone of Singapore’s transport system and was first established on 7 November 1987, officially opening in 1988 [1]. In 2015 and 2016, the rapid transit system was hit with a spate of train service disruptions [2]. Investigations conducted discovered that the cause of these incidents can be attributed to track faults, however corrective actions could not be employed immediately since the exact location of the fault is unknown. Engineers and technicians were required to scour the area along the tracks to locate the fault and this took an enormous amount of time and resources [3]. This resulted in prolonged disruption to services as action could not be implemented effectively. The aim of this report is to explore the use of wireless vibration sensors as part of a track monitoring system. A simplified model of the train-track system will first be created. A MATLAB code using Ritz method will then be written to simulate the vibration patterns of the track’s rail. Experiments involving the use of a vibration sensor in SMRT trains will be conducted and the vibration results will be compared with the mode shapes obtained from the MATLAB simulation. Vibration sensors that can not only collect data on the vibration levels of the track but also transmit this information using wireless technology to a parent device can greatly enhance the efficiency of the monitoring system. A list of such sensors will be compiled and experiments concerning the communication range will be conducted to examine the suitability of such sensors in the Singapore railway system.