A Simulation/Optimization Framework for Locomotive Planning

Abstract. In this paper, we give an overview of the Locomotive Simulater/Optimizer (LSO) decision support system developed by us for railroads. This software is designed to imitate locomotive movement across a rail network, and it simulates all four major components of the system; trains, locomotives, terminals, and shops in an integrated framework. It includes about 20 charts that allow evaluating system performance using standard measures. LSO can be used by locomotive management to perform “)-1(what-if” analysis and evaluate system performance for different input data; it provides a safe environment for experimentation. We have tested the software on real data and output showed that the software closely imitates day-to-day operations. We have also performed different scenario analysis, and reports illustrate that the software correctly reflects input data changes.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: ATMOS
• Authors: Artyom G. Nahapetyan, Ravindra K. Ahuja, F. Zeynep Sargut, Andy John, Kamalesh Somani
• Keywords: ATMOS 2007, Decision Support System, Input Data, Locomotive Simulater/Optimizer, Optimization