Train movement simulation by element increment method

The article presents an element increment method that is developed by current time increment method of train traction calculation. A railway route was divided, breaking it down into elements of different lengths. A whole train movement simulation curve (v–t curve and v–S curve) was formed by splitting the joints of each of the elements' individual simulation curves. During this process, the train velocity variance was calculated by time increment method with assistance of polynomial fitting technology. Additionally, a step‐by‐step method with iteration was used to combine each element and makes the whole simulation curve continuous. Meanwhile, the energy‐saving issue was also taken into account to optimize the simulation curve. This article gives more details about the modeling by providing an example of a railway route based on moving block control. The element increment method is a more effective way to calculate train traction of high‐speed railway, and it is an alternative method to train movement simulation for aiding macroscopic railway transportation planning. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.