System and method for determining a mismatch between a model for a powered system and the actual behavior of the powered system

A system comprising:

• a coupler configured to be positioned between adjacent cars of a powered system that includes a train, the coupler configured to be positioned in a slack state that includes one of a stretched slack state or a bunched slack state based upon separation of the adjacent cars;
• and
• a controller configured to be positioned within a powered vehicle of the powered system and to determine a mismatch of a model of the slack state for the coupler of the powered system and actual behavior of the powered system on a real time basis from a plurality of input parameters including at least one of a powered vehicle parameter, a track parameter, a train parameter, or a train stability state:
• wherein the controller is configured to determine a jerk of the powered vehicle based on a time rate of change of acceleration of the powered vehicle, the acceleration based on a speed of the powered vehicle;
• and
• wherein the controller is configured to determine the mismatch of the model on the real-time basis based upon at least two of the jerk, a current notch of an engine of the powered vehicle, and the train stability state being modified by a respective threshold amount within a designated time period.

A system comprising:

• a coupler configured to be positioned between adjacent cars of a powered system that includes a train, the coupler configured to be positioned in a slack state that includes one of a stretched slack state or a bunched slack state based upon separation of the adjacent cars;
• and
• a controller configured to be positioned within a powered vehicle of the powered system and to determine a mismatch of a model of the slack state for the coupler of the powered system and actual behavior of the powered system on a real time basis from a plurality of input parameters including at least one of a powered vehicle parameter, a track parameter, a train parameter, or a train stability state,
• wherein the train travels on a rail along a predetermined route, and the controller is configured to switch between:
• an automatic mode in which the controller is configured to automatically take a corrective action for a predetermined amount of time, the corrective action being based on the mismatch determined by the controller;
• and
• a manual mode in which a powered vehicle operator is configured to manually input the corrective action.