Abstract
The MIHARA (Multipurpose Integrated Highly-Advanced Railway Applications) Test Center (MTC), which has a loop track of 3.2 km, was opened in Mihara City, Hiroshima on October 2nd, 2014. The purpose of this facility is to increase product competitiveness of exporting transportation systems that are adaptation to world standards, demonstrations of Japanese railway technologies, and training of oversea engineers. In addition, the facility is available for use by other companies, government and public organizations. The MIHARA Test Center has 3 types of test track for railway, AGT (Automated Guideway Transit), and HSST (High Speed Surface Transport). The railway track has 3 types of gauge (1435mm of standard type, 1067mm of narrow type for domestic system, 1000mm of meter type (future)). The railway track consists of a long strait section, small curve sections and large curve sections, an elevated section, and slop sections in the track. The test vehicle can operate at over 100km/h on the test track. Various tests can be performed, such as noise and vibration tests on straight / curve section, signaling and communication tests, electric power supply tests. This paper introduces a concept and equipment of MIHARA Test Center.
