The paper deals with the detection process of energy loss in electric railway hauling vehicles. The importance of efficient energy use in railways and cost-effective rail transport tendency toward regenerative braking energy are considered. In addition, the current situation and improvement opportunities to achieve efficient energy use are examined. Seven measurement series were performed with scheduled Railjet trains between Hegyeshalom and Győr railway stations in Hungary. This railway section is related to the Hungarian State Railways' No. 1 main railway line (between Budapest-Kelenföld and Hegyeshalom state board), which is a part of the international railway line between Budapest and Vienna (capitals of Hungary and Austria, respectively). This double-track, electrified railway line with traditional ballasted superstructures and continuously welded rail tracks is important due to the international passenger and freight transport between Germany, Austria, and Hungary. The value of the regenerative braking energy can be even 20-30% of the total consumed energy. This quite enormous untapped energy can be used for several aims, e.g., for comfort energy demand (air conditioning, heating-cooling, lighting, etc.) or energy-intensive starts. The article also investigates the optimization of regenerative braking energy by seeking the energy-waste locations and the reasons for the significant consumption. The train operator's driving style and habit have been identified as one of the main reasons. Furthermore, train driver assistance systems are recommended to save energy, which is planned for future research.

This study investigates the settlement behavior of ballasted railway tracks under dynamic loading, providing a comprehensive evaluation of track deterioration models using extensive field data. Leveraging regression analysis, the research examines logarithmic and exponential settlement trends based on operational conditions and highlights key influences, such as ballast compactness and maintenance interventions. Validated against historical ORE (Research and Testing Office) studies, the results suggest refinements in constants to better predict contemporary track behavior. The integration of advanced computational and experimental techniques is proposed to improve model accuracy, ensuring effective maintenance planning and enhanced track durability.

This study rigorously investigates the interdependencies among a suite of crushed stone aggregate characteristics to enhance material selection for infrastructure projects. Utilizing data from Colas Északkő Ltd. (andesite quarries), the authors explore the relationships between mechanical and geometrical properties, particularly focusing on the interplay between the flakiness index, shape index, Los Angeles abrasion, Micro-Deval wear, and methylene blue assessments. The presented analysis reveals an unexpectedly robust correlation between FI and SI, proposing a novel paradigm for evaluating grain shape. Notably, the relationship between Los Angeles abrasion and micro-Deval wear values, typically considered disparate, is re-examined, unveiling potential predictive capabilities for environmental wear, especially as indicated by magnesium sulfate soundness testing. Additionally, the current study delineates a significant correlation between methylene blue values and micro-Deval wear performance, highlighting the intrinsic mineralogical influences on aggregate durability. The implications of findings are twofold: they suggest a streamlined approach for aggregate quality assurance and offer strategic insights into the refinement of material selection processes, thereby promising to enhance the durability and service life of transportation infrastructure.

The paper investigates the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of several rail joints executed by thermite rail welding (TW). The examined rail profile was 54E1 (UIC54). The rail steel categories were different: R260 and R400HT. The welding portions of the TWs fitted R350HT and R260 rail categories with normal welding gaps. The rail pieces were brand new, i.e., without any usage in the railway track. The authors executed Vickers-hardness tests (HV10) and material texture tests on the running surface of the rail head, as well as on slices cut from the rail head. The cutting was performed by the water jet method, five longitudinal direction slices with vertical cutting lines. The considered specimen lengths were 2×70 mm (i.e., 70 mm from the mid-point of the rail joint), however, the depths were 20 mm from the running surface. Therefore, the measuring spaces were 5 mm lengthwise and 2 mm in depth. The variation of the hardness values was determined considering the microstructures of the base steel material and the TW. For comparison, previously measured Elektrothermit SoW-5 and earlier own research were taken into consideration.

This paper investigates the usability of touch screens used in mass production road vehicles. Our goal is to provide a detailed comparison of conventional physical buttons and capacitive touch screens taking the human factor into account. The pilot test focuses on a specific Non-driving Related Task (NDRT): the control of the on-board climate system using a touch screen panel versus rotating knobs and push buttons. Psychological parameters, functionality, usability and, the ergonomics of In-Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) were evaluated using a specific questionnaire, a system usability scale (SUS), workload assessment (NASA-TLX), and a physiological sensor system. The measurements are based on a wearable eye-tracker that provides fixation points of the driver’s gaze in order to detect distraction. The closed road used for the naturalistic driving study was provided by the ZalaZONE Test Track, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. Objective and subjective results of the pilot study indicate that the control of touch screen panels causes higher visual, manual, and cognitive distraction than the use of physical buttons. The statistical analysis demonstrated that conventional techniques need to be complemented in order to better represent human behavior differences.