A fuzzy logic based anti-skid control system for railway applications

In modern railway applications the prevention of wheel-skid is very important. This is because wheel skid can lead to an increase in noise and vibration from wheels with flat points, as well as an increased braking distance. However conventional anti-skid control has problems because the train wheel adhesion and skid characteristics are difficult and time consuming to accurately model. Therefore a fuzzy logic based anti-skid controller was implemented where linguistic control information could be used. In this paper the design and implementation of the fuzzy logic controller is described. Results show that the anti-skid controller has a very good performance, performing better than the previous conventional controller. The described controller is currently running in railway brake sets in both Japan and other countries.