Internship - Multi-body Modeling of Railway Switches and Crossings (La Rochelle, FR) en Alstom

Req ID:502099 

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, more than 80 000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

Context

Track components such as switches, crossings, and frogs are critical elements of railway infrastructure. When trains pass over them, these components are subjected to significant dynamic loads, which can lead to wear, noise, and premature degradation.

To better understand and anticipate these phenomena, numerical modeling in a multi-body simulation environment like SIMPACK enables detailed analysis of their dynamic behavior. This internship is part of a technical optimization initiative, particularly focused on ensuring the compatibility of rolling components, which can vary depending on tramway architecture (e.g., wheelbase, wheel diameter, axle positioning).

Internship Objective

The goal of this internship is to develop tools for modeling a track component and integrating it into a multi-body simulation environment. This will allow for the evaluation of both static and dynamic behavior of rolling stock, depending on the train’s architecture.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Reconstruct the geometry and mechanical properties of a track component using technical drawings and data.

• Build a multi-body model of the track component in SIMPACK and integrate it into a simulation scenario with a railway vehicle.

• Analyze dynamic behavior: forces, accelerations, displacements, and identify critical zones.

• Define fatigue indicators to anticipate potential degradation risks.

• Write a methodological guide for modeling and interpreting simulation results to support future analyses.

What You’ll Appreciate

• Immersion in a cutting-edge technical field, directly linked to railway safety and rolling stock reliability at critical infrastructure points.

• Hands-on experience with SIMPACK, a leading multi-body simulation tool used in the railway industry.

• Development of a practical methodology, including automated generation of track geometry from technical plans for simulation integration.

• Contribution to real-world solutions, aimed at improving infrastructure durability and maintenance strategies.

• A collaborative and stimulating environment, working alongside experts in simulation, dynamics, and railway engineering.

Profile We’re Looking For

We are seeking a motivated, curious, and detail-oriented student ready to engage in a technically challenging project with strong industrial relevance.

Ideal candidate profile:

• Enrolled in an engineering school or Master’s program, with a focus on mechanical engineering, system dynamics, numerical simulation, or railway engineering.

• Familiar with multi-body simulation tools, ideally SIMPACK, or able to quickly learn technical software.

• Comfortable with mechanical modeling, interpreting technical drawings, and reconstructing complex geometries.

• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with domain experts.

• Interested in railway safety, reliability, and maintenance challenges.

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

Important to note

As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 63  countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Job Type:​Internship/Apprenticeship​