A prior detection method for track irregularity based on dual-antenna attitude determination

Currently, two primary methods are employed for track irregularity inspection in China's railway operations: static and dynamic inspections. The static inspection method, while reliable, is inefficient due to its lengthy detection cycle. In contrast, dynamic inspection, though more efficient, is associated with higher costs. To address these limitations, a low-cost prior detection method for track irregularity based on dual-antenna attitude determination is proposed as a complementary approach to traditional methods, aimed at improving overall detection efficiency. This method derives key track irregularity parameters, including curvature, super-elevation, and twist, from the train's attitude measurements. The prior detection of track irregularity is performed by assessing whether the twist parameter exceeds the management threshold defined by the track quality index. Field tests conducted on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway demonstrate that the dual-antenna attitude determination method achieves high accuracy, with measurement errors of 0.0796° for yaw, 0.0996° for pitch, and 0.0916° for roll. Furthermore, the proposed prior detection method attains a detection accuracy of 0.1047 mm and successfully identifies four irregularity points along the test section, thereby confirming its effectiveness in detecting track irregularity.