NTL Record

Title Aerodynamic effects of high-speed passenger trains on other trains.
Record ID 42329
Personal Name
Creator
Holmes, Samuel; Schroeder, Martin P.
Source 72p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator Applied Research Associates, Inc.
Corporate
Contributor
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Publisher United States. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
Publication Date 20020400
Language English
Abstract This study assesses the potential safety risks associated with aerodynamic loads produced by the Acela high-speed train when passing freight and bi-level commuter passenger cars. Acela operates at speeds up to 150 mph, on tangent tracks adjacent to nearby passenger and freight trains. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of the aerodynamic loads generated by Acela on slower moving trains. Past experience has shown that these loads can be substantial and could lead to derailments, dislodgement of freight containers or cause damage to windows of passenger rail cars.Three scenarios have been considered here: 1. The derailment or wheel lift of a container freight car or consist. 2. The breaking loose of dislodgement of shipping containers from a freight consist. 3. The breaking or blowout of windows in a passenger rail car. This study takes a worst-case approach, where possible, in establishing the aerodynamic loads and the subsequent train response. Therefore, this study determines if such accidents are possible, but does not address whether they are probable.
Rosap ID dot:9450
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/9450
TRT Terms High speed rail; Aerodynamic force; Commuter cars; Double deck commuter cars; Derailments; Crash risk forecasting; Simulation; Container cars; Rolling; Pitch (Dynamics); Yaw; Train consist; Velocity; Aircraft dynamic stability; Yawing; Wheel loads; Lateral placement; Static loads; Dynamic loads; Wind pressure; Window glass
General Subjects High speed trains; Aerodynamic load; Railroad passenger cars; Railroad accidents; Computer simulation; Yawing (Aerodynamics); Rolling (Aerodynamics); Pitching (Aerodynamics); Railroad trains--Speed; Railroad cars--Dynamics--Testing; Railroad cars--Stability; Wind-pressure
Classification NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - High Speed Ground Transportation;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number DOT/FRA/ORD-01/12; DOT-VNTSC-FRA-01-05
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/42000/42300/42329/ord0112.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository