Acceleration and cost reduction of homologation process by using simulation-based testing

Abstract

Nowadays deployment of new products in railway domain is very much time consuming and expensive. One reason - out of several more - is that a lot of testing along the development and homologation process is done with field tests. That concerns as well the whole system as built-in components. To run these tests the complete system or component has to be finalized and completed to run on the real track to prove safety, interoperability and conformity with specifications. In this contribution, we discuss the chance of using more simulation-based testing instead of field tests. We start with the motivation why the actual situation needs changes and how manufacturers and assessor’s perspective look like. Furthermore, we point out the possibility to speed up homologation process with laboratory testing. Finally, we take a look into the future.