This paper introduces and discusses a new concept of impact absorption by means of impact energy management and storage in dedicated rotating inertial discs. The effectiveness of the concept is demonstrated in a selected case-study involving spinning management, a recently developed novel impact-absorber. A specific control technique performed on this device is demonstrated to be the main source of significant improvement in the overall efficiency of impact damping process. The influence of various parameters on the performance of the shock-absorber is investigated. Design and manufacturing challenges and directions of further research are formulated.

Two freight platform wagons connected together conventionally or in the form of so-called rigid connection were taken into account to investigate the influence of unsupported sleepers on climb flange derailment on transition curve. Presented results are related to the freight wagons equipped with two-axle Y25 standard bogies, entering at an acceptable speed in the transition curve of the track with the radius of 150 or 1,000 m. Three cases have been analyzed: only the inner rail, only the outer rail, or both rails had unsupported sleepers. Simulation models were prepared using the VI-Rail software and nonlinear wheel–rail contact model. The dynamic calculations showed that wheel flange climb derailment caused by unsupported sleepers will only occur if deflection of the rail or track on transition curve is deep enough. These tests allowed us to determine the relationship between the radius of curvature and the depth of the trough causing derailment of the wagons. Calculation results allowed us to answer also the questions whether the method of connection and the weight of freight wagons have a significant impact on the wheel flange climb derailment.

Existing methods of vehicle crash velocity determination that are based on body deformation measurements take advantage of linear models. This method finds the linear dependence of equivalent energy speed (EES) which is the measure of kinetic energy loss due to vehicle collision, and Cs coefficient which is the average value of car body deformation. In this paper, authors managed to improve the accuracy of car velocity determination by taking the advantage of non-linear model, polynomial regression in order to calculate the bk coefficient and for the first time, a model where coefficient bk is dependent on two variables: Cs – average car body deformation and Lt – width of deformation field. The aim of this research paper is to demonstrate the new approach of surface approximation of bk coefficient in order to determine the vehicle EES. Authors also indicate the further direction of research.

The complexity and diversity of civil engineering structures impose requirements on the monitoring systems, which are difficult to be satisfied. In the paper the concept of the distributed diagnostic system capable of monitoring the technical state of critical elements of large infrastructure objects like steel trusses, supermarket buildings, exposition halls, bridges etc. is discussed. Adaptation of such systems is essential for online assessment of technical state of the infrastructure objects and could limit the possibility of catastrophic disasters with loss of people. As a source of information data from strain gauges, passive magnetic field sensors and acceleration sensors applied to the construction are considered. For the process of selection of sensors and diagnostic methods the mathematical model of the construction and the physical test stand were used.