The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the possibilities of estimating the track condition using axle-boxes and car-bodies motions described by acceleration signals. In the paper, the results presented indicate the condition of tracks obtained from the preliminary investigation on the test track. Furthermore, the results from the supervised runs (on Polish Railway Lines) of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU-ED74) with the prototype of track quality monitoring system installed on-board are described. As Track Quality Indicator (TQI) algorithm, used in the mentioned prototype, a modified Karhunen–Loève transformation is used in preliminary preparation of acceleration signals. The transformation is used to extract the principal dynamics from measurement data. Obtained results are compared to other methods of evaluating the geometrical track quality, namely methods, which apply the synthetic coefficient Jsynth and five parameters of defectiveness W5. The results from the investigation showed that track condition estimation is possible with acceptable accuracy for in-service use and for defining cost-effective maintenance strategies.

The article features the results of computer and experimental research on operational issues in the aspect of safety in relation to a freight wagon derailment on a railway track. It presents the knowledge regarding the methods of assessing the operational safety of rail vehicles on railroad tracks for the purpose of comparative analysis. The theoretical analyses were performed based on several methods that assess the safety of their derailments, qualifying for operational reliability, comparing them with the results obtained from experimental research. For the purpose of the research, a computer model of rail vehicle- railway track was created. It took into consideration dynamic parameters of elements used in the real track and rail vehicle. The results obtained from theoretical analyses were validated with experimental tests carried out on real objects (freight vehicle - test track, freight wagon - test rig). As part of the research, new test track geometry for testing rail vehicles was proposed. The results obtained in this way allowed estimating the conditions threatening the operation of a freight vehicle while running on the test rail infrastructure with different assessment criteria and to compare them.

An application of electromagnetic devices of the motional type (i.e. eddy-current dampers) to improve the dynamic stability of a cantilever pipe discharging fluid is proposed. When the flow velocity reaches a critical value, this system loses stability through the flutter. A contactless damping device is used. This actuator is made of a conducting plate attached to the pipe that moves together with it within the perpendicular magnetic field that is generated by the controlled electromagnets. During the motion the eddy currents in the plate and a resultant drag force of a viscous character are generated. First, an optimal control problem that aims to stabilise the system with the optimal rate of decrease of the system’s energy is posed and solved. Then a state-feedback parametrization of the obtained optimal control, which can be used in a closed-loop scheme is proposed. The effectiveness of the designed optimal controller is validated by making a comparison with the corresponding passive solutions on the specially designed and constructed experimental test stand of a pipe conveying air.