Mathematical model and algorithm for automatically programming the stage plan of marshalling station

Based on the practical operation flow of marshalling station, the automatic programming for the stage plan can be separated into the automatic programming of flow assignment plan, break-up/formation plan and the utilization plan for arrival/departure line. Mathematical models are built respectively for them and solutions are worked out. Under the precondition of satisfying the requirements for train formations and with the minimum total dwell time of the transfer train unit at the marshalling station as the target, the flow assignment plan model fixes on train flow source for outbound trains from trains on hand and in-bounds at the moment. After the flow assignments for train units and with the minimum total number of delayed trains as the target, break-up/formation plan model determines the break-up/formation sequence of trains. Under the condition of current track configuration and with the maximum number of reception/departure trains as the target, the model of utilization plan for arrival/departure line reasonably arranges the reception/departure of trains scheduled by train diagram. The automatic programming for the stage plan of marshalling station can be realized by rationally linking up the abovementioned three models together. A computer aided decision support system is built by adopting the proposed three models and is being applied at Urumchi West Station.