The Amercian Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is an industry leader in advancing engineering technology and the Joint Rail Conference it sponsors has quickly become one of the most empowering events for engineers on a global scale. The 2017 edition of the conference, which NewEngineer.com subscribers can sign up for with a 10% discount off registration fees, offers the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in rail transportation as well as enjoy time for networking with other professionals in the industry.

JRC 2017, which will be held at The Doubletree by Hilton, Philadelphia City Center between April 4th-7th, presents an invaluable opportunity for engineers and technical personnel from multiple disciplines, including operators, equipment builders, component suppliers, designers, consultants, academics, regulatory agencies and research organizations to stay up-to-date with the latest developments, standards and challenges in the sector.

The Program for the JRC 2017 has been announced to highlight topics in the categories of Railroad Infrastructure Engineering, Rail Equipment Engineering, Signal and Train Control Engineering, Service Quality and Operations Research, Planning and Development, Safety and Security, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Urban Passenger Rail Transport, Electrification, and Vehicle Track Interaction.

As an industry-leading event, JRC 2017 will feature advanced research and technical content across a range of industries impacted by mechanical engineering, including energy production, energy sources, advanced manufacturing, and engineering sciences. It gives professionals employed in these fields a chance to network and discuss ways to cooperate towards a common goal of improving the quality of life across international borders.
 

This year the JRC will host a Grand Challenge Competition open to all conference attendees.  Registered participants are invited to propose an idea to the below Grand Challenge Question and present that idea to a panel of industry experts using a 3-minute "shark tank pitch". The goal of this competition is to spark new ideas, innovations, and approaches to solving a relevant issue affecting the railroad industry.

The 2017 JRC Grand Challenge question:
 

After many years of decline, the annual train accident rate for FRA reportable train accidents in the US has appeared to reach a plateau (Figure 1). How can the industry push through this plateau to achieve new levels of safety and further reduce train accidents in the US?

Figure 1. Train Accident Rate per Million Train Miles for All Class I Railroads (Including Amtrak), from 2006-2015 (Source FRA Office of Safety - safetydata.fra.dot.gov/OfficeofSafety/)

The winner of the competition will receive a prize of $500! You have until March 21st to enter the competition, here.

To take advantage of the exclusive 10% discount offered to NewEngineer.com subscribers, sign up here.  Already a subscriber? Get your discount code here and we’ll see you in Philadelphia!

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