Uniqueness of an Optimal Run-up for a Steep Incline of a Train

An optimal driving strategy of a train in a long journey on a nonsteep track has four phases: an initial power phase, a long hold speed phase, a coast phase and a final brake phase. The majority of the journey is speed holding. On a track with steep gradients, it becomes necessary to vary the strategy around steep sections of track because it is not possible to hold a constant steep on steep track. Instead we must interrupt the speed hold phase with a power phase. The aim of this paper is to show that there is a unique power phase that satisfies the necessary conditions for an optimal journey. The problem is developed and solved for various cases, from a simple single steep gradient to a complicated multiple steep gradient section. For each case, we construct a set of new conditions for optimality of the power phase that minimises the energy used during the power phase subject to a weighted time penalty. We then use the new necessary conditions to develop a calculate scheme for finding an optimal power phase for a steep incline. We also present an example to confirm the uniqueness of an optimal power phase.