Train optimal slip rate anti-skid control based on parameter estimation

Since existing train braking anti-slip control strategies struggle to fully utilize rail adhesion, this study focuses on rail vehicle air brake systems. Based on wheel–rail adhesion–slip characteristics and online parameter estimation theory, this study proposes an optimal slip ratio anti-skid control strategy. At the same time, it innovatively constructs the “adhesion utilization rate” index to quantitatively evaluate the braking performance. First, an online parameter estimator is built to estimate the slope of the adhesion–slip characteristics curve, thereby establishing the optimal slip ratio anti-slip control strategy. A semi-physical simulation test bench based on the air braking system is set up to compare and analyze different anti-slip control strategies under different working conditions. The results show that the optimal slip ratio anti-skid control strategy based on parameter estimation significantly shortens the braking distance and improves braking performance and adhesion utilization rate, verifying the effectiveness of this strategy and the “adhesion utilization rate” evaluation index.