Conclusions

• The new inclinometry system has been successfully installed.
• Point-Wise data offer the most reliable means of creating a track model, while Continuous data collection is only randomly noisier and offers an excellent and rapid method of checking the state of the track.
• Zero-point drifts with time or temperature are difficult to interpret yet due to probable motion of the inclinometer as a result of the thermal change itself.
• Zero-point changes over the couple of hours needed to take the Point-Wise data are less than 2" and may be removed assuming a linear drift.
• Calibrations exist for all axes, but improved accuracy is necessary to make fullest use of the inclinometry data.
• Repeatability is excellent and in the case of the TMU-X axis (which does suffer from SERVO cycling or other vibrations) the errors match those specified by the manufacturer, viz 0.05" rms (Sect 8.2).
• Within the errors of the current data there appears no difference between CW and CCW data - i.e. no hysteresis.
• The track profile can be generated from either set of A-frame data, but current data yield different profiles. Better calibration data are needed before this data is re-eximined to determine whether a single profile applies to each A-frame, or whether each A-frame interacts differently with the track.
  
  A more direct measure of the track profile may be obtained by placing an inclinometer on a beam joining the central (pintle) bearing to one of the wheels.
• Point-Wise data have been taken at integer azimuths in order to create the current track model. The new model is an improvement over the old model in elevation, if less impressively in azimuth. In this regard the new inclinometry system has successfully replaced the old one.
• Plans are afoot to produce a model with 0.2degree resolution (using Point-Wise data), and to regularly check the validity of the model (using Continuous data).
• The knowledge the new system has provided will need careful analysis in order to make decisions regarding the optimal locations for the inclinometers and the conversion of the inclinometry data into the track model.