Study and Implementation on Rail Profile Alignment Algorithm Based on 3D Scanning Data

The three dimensional (3D) point cloud model and its 2D cross section profile of a 60kg/m rail were obtained by a 3D scanner. But, it’s inaccurate to calculate rail wear with the2D cross section profile directly which may has a certain inclination along the vertical center line of the rail because the 2D profile was sampled from the random point cloud. The algorithms for aligning the extracted profile from the 3D point cloud model by rotating the field side rail web curve, and parallel shifting the same side rail base line was presented. The results show a good effect comparing the standard profile with the precisionless than 0.1mm.Detail implementation of the algorithm was put forward by MATLAB and its feasibility and stability were verified.