NTL Record

Title Detailed modeling of the train-to-train impact test : rail passenger equipment impact tests
Record ID 34520
Personal Name
Creator
Stringfellow, Richard; Llana, Patricia
Source 85p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator TIAX LLC; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration; John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Publisher United States. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
Publication Date 20070700
Language English
Abstract This report describes the results of a finite element-based analysis of the train-to-train impact test conducted at the Federal Railroad Administration’s Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, CO, on January 31, 2002. The ABAQUS/Explicit dynamic finite element code was used to simulate the first 0.5 second (s) of the collision. The primary objective of this program was to extend the use of finite element-based models for simulating the crush of train structures to include vehicle-to-vehicle interactions. A subset of the data collected during the test was first selected as a basis for comparison with model predictions. A finite element model of the train was then developed. This model includes detailed representations of the end structures of the cab car and the locomotive, and coarser representations of the back of these vehicle bodies and the trucks of the cab car. Connections between the cab car body and trucks were modeled to allow for lift of the body during the collision. Trailing vehicles and vehicle-to-vehicle connections were modeled using lumped mass parameters. The results of the model were compared to the selected data. These comparisons indicate that the model captures many aspects of collision behavior, with a fair degree of accuracy, especially over the first 0.25 s of the collision
Rosap ID dot:8854
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/8854
TRT Terms Vehicle cabs; Crashes; Crashworthiness; Finite element method; Locomotives; Railroad safety; Railroad traffic; Railroad trains; Train operations; Transportation safety
Classification NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Vehicle Design;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - RAIL TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety
Geographical
Coverage
United States
OCLC 183447683
TRIS Online
Accession No
1095684
Contract Number CB035/RR28
Report Number DOT/FRA/ORD-07/20; DOT-VNTSC-FRA-07-06
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/34000/34500/34520/DOT-VNTSC-FRA-07-06.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository