Adhesion Research Group
The Adhesion Research Group (ARG) promotes understanding of wheel/rail adhesion and related topics. The ARG ensures a common and system-wide approach to these topics. It acts as a sponsor for the ADHERE research portfolio and cooperates with other cross-industry groups to implement research on the running railway.
"Contamination of the railhead is caused by biological, chemical and physical factors, some of which cannot be easily monitored or controlled. Low adhesion issues arise throughout the year, caused by moisture, diesel fuel or grease, for instance. We exist to enhance industry’s understanding of the science and engineering behind wheel/rail adhesion and related topics."
Scope
The Adhesion Research Group (ARG) exists to:
- Promote a wider understanding of the fundamental science and engineering behind wheel/rail adhesion and related topics, such as wheel/rail electrical continuity.
- Ensure a common and system-wide approach to these topics. For instance, by rolling stock designers, operators, infrastructure owners, and industry experts.
The Adhesion Research Group will:
- Act as a sponsor for the ADHERE research portfolio.
- Track the progress and delivery of endorsed research projects. Propose scope and timescale adjustments, as necessary.
- Cooperate with both the Seasonal Challenge Steering Group and the Seasonal Challenge Communications Group to implement research on the running railway.
Membership
The group's membership includes international members and is made up of the following industry categories:
- passenger train operators
- rolling stock owners and leasing companies
- infrastructure managers and owners
- suppliers and rolling stock manufacturers
- academia
- RSSB.
Chair of Committee: Neil Ovenden, Rail Partners
RSSB main representative: Toby Johnson
-
Committee members
Name Company Representing Status Alan Lawton Alan Lawton Engineering Consultancy Ltd Rail Partners Member Andrew Lightoller DB ESG Suppliers Member Andy Giles Met Desk Suppliers Member Andy Nicholas Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd Suppliers Member Anna Gray Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited Rolling Stock Owner Member Anup Chalisey Rail Safety and Standards Board
Rail Safety and Standards Board
Member Ben Altman Rail Safety and Standards Board
Rail Safety and Standards Board
Industry Groups Management Ben White Rivelin Rail Suppliers
Member
Brian Boucher Alstom Transport UK Ltd Suppliers Member Brian Haddock Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Manager Member Caitriona Hannon Transport For London (TFL) Passenger Train Operating Company and Infrastructure Manager Member Chris Wells Railway Braking Associates Limited Suppliers Member Christopher Iredale Alstom Transport UK Ltd Suppliers Member Christopher Parker
VTG Rail UK
Suppliers
Member
Clive Burrows
First Rail Holdings Limited
Passenger Train Operating Company
Member
Dan Hamm Aurecon Suppliers Member Dave Eveleigh First Greater Western Limited Passenger Train Operating Company Member David Buckley Angel Trains Ltd Rolling Stock Owner Member David Clarke Railway Industry Association Railway Industry Association Member Gilbert Rowe L D Associates Limited Suppliers Member Halley Porkess AtkinsRéalis Suppliers Member Jackie Butterfield L. B. Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Ltd Suppliers Member John Cooke Water-Trak Limited Suppliers Member John Doyle Irish Rail Passenger Train Operating Company Member John Tunley N/A Independent Member Julian Stow University of Huddersfield Academia Member Kishore Moores
Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd
Suppliers Member Kurt Haselsteiner Knorr-Bremse GmbH Suppliers Member Liam Purcell Rail Accident Investigation Branch Rail Accident Investigation Branch Member Louis Schmandt The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd Passenger Train Operating Company Member Mark Burstow Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Manager Member Mark Molyneux Rail Delivery Group Passenger Train Operating Company Member Michael Hunter Davis Wagon Services Suppliers
Member Mick Milhinch Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd Suppliers Member Neil Ovenden Rail Partners Independent Chair Nicola Steele First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Ltd Passenger Train Operating Company Member Paul Allen University of Huddersfield Academia Member Paul Gray RSSB RSSB Member Peter McCreery Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Manager Member Peter Theobald
Rail Safety and Standards Board Rail Safety and Standards Board
RSSB alternative representative
Peter Williams First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Ltd Passenger Train Operating Company
Member Richard Neil Angel Trains Ltd Rolling Stock Owner Member Rob Cummings Northern Trains Limited Passenger Train Operating Company Member Roger Lewis The University of Sheffield Academia Member Russ Campbell
VTG Rail UK
Suppliers
Member
Sanjay Albert Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK) Ltd Suppliers Member Simon Barnard Water-Trak Limited Suppliers Member Simon Green First Greater Western Limited Passenger Train Operating Company Member Steve Rhymes
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Infrastructure Manager
Member
Tanya Ball LNT Solutions Suppliers Member Thomas Butcher
L. B. Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Ltd
Suppliers Member Toby Goodwin Transport For London (TFL) Passenger Train Operating Company and Infrastructure Manager
Member Toby Johnson
Rail Safety and Standards Board
Rail Safety and Standards Board
RSSB main representative
Victoria Chapman Met Office Suppliers Member Yunshi Zhao AtkinsRéalis Suppliers Member
