NTL Record

Title Locomotive Crashworthiness Research: Volume 4: Additional Freight Locomotive Calculations
Record ID 22353
Personal Name
Creator
Mayville, Ronald A.; Stringfellow, Richard G.; Rancatore, Robert J.; Hosmer, Thomas P.
Source DOT/FRA/ORD-95/08.4
Corporate
Contributor
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publication Date 19950700
Language English
Abstract Previously developed computer models (see Volume 1) are used to carry out additional calculations for evaluation of road freight locomotive crashworthiness. The effect of fewer locomotives (as would be expected after transition from DC motor to higher-traction AC motor locomotives) is investigated and found to benefit cab crashworthiness to the same degree as would incorporation of high strength collision posts in head-on collisions at 30 mph closing speed. The effects of cab structure improvements are also investigated for higher closing speeds. The combination of high strength collision posts with an interlocking anticlimber appears to preserve survivable cab volume at closing speeds up to 45 mph, as compared with 30 mph for a structure meeting the minimum current industry specifications, in a head-on collision when override occurs. For closing speeds of 60 mph and greater, some type of crash refuge would be required to protect the crew from severe injury or death due to secondary impact with cab interior fixtures.
Rosap ID dot:8499
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/8499
TRT Terms Locomotives; Crashworthiness; Railroad safety; Freight trains; Safety engineering; Crash injury research; Survival; Frontal crashes; Impact; Speed
General Subjects Accident survivability; Collision research; Computer simulation models; Impact speed
Classification NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - RAIL TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Accidents
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
720058
Report Number DOT-VNTSC-FRA-95-4.4; DOT/FRA/ORD-95/08.4
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Research Paper
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/22000/22300/22353/ord9508_4.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository