The braking system of railway vehicles is composed of several subsystems. Based on the findings from the other research topics, this research topic focuses on the investigation of the interaction of the individual braking systems regarding the global braking performance of a train on a straight track. Each system inherently changes the rail conditions for the subsequent braking system or wheelset. Hence, several systems – wheel-rail braking system, sanding system and mtb – will be considered in varied succession and effects on following systems discussed. As demands on the models are high, results from test rig experiments or field tests will be included.

The general aims of this research topic can be summarised as:

• Fundamental understanding of the interrelationship between the subsystems of the braking system, consisting of wheel–rail braking system, sanding system, and mtb.
• Investigation of the succession of the individual braking systems in the train with respect to the braking performance, taking effects like cleaning and reconditioning into account.
• Integration of different braking systems to account for their coupled effects on the braking performance.
• Derivation of a global control strategy utilising several braking systems, i.e., brake distance management, for shortest stopping distances considering the interactions of the individual subsystems.