DETERMINATION OF THE REGULARITIES OF GROUP ARRIVALS BY ASSIGNMENT AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THEIR ARRIVAL ORDER

Abstract

This study addresses the patterns of wagon group arrivals on classification yard accumulation tracks and the determination of their arrival order. The relevance of the research is justified by the need to increase the efficiency of classification yards, reduce train formation time, and optimize the use of accumulation tracks. Research objective is to identify the distribution patterns of wagon group sizes and the intervals between their arrivals, and to develop methods for determining the order of wagon group arrivals on accumulation tracks. Research tasks include analyzing existing approaches and literature on train formation; collecting and processing statistical data on wagon group arrivals; verifying data for gross errors using the Smirnov criterion; determining the distribution law of group sizes and intervals; modeling the arrival order of wagon groups; and developing empirical formulas for predicting group sizes and intervals. Results indicate that wagon group sizes and intervals follow an exponential distribution. Formulas were developed to calculate the average wagon group size depending on the daily wagon flow and arrival intervals. Graphs of wagon group arrivals were constructed, and algorithms for accounting for size and interval constraints were developed. The identified patterns allow accurate prediction of wagon group arrivals and optimization of train accumulation processes. The proposed methods and models can be applied in automated dispatch and planning systems for railway freight flows.