HUMAN TOLERANCE TO RAIL TUNNEL PRESSURE TRANSIENTS--A LABORATORY ASSESSMENT
Passenger comfort on the many new high-speed rail routes being constructed throughout the world is likely to be strongly affected by ear discomfort from pressure waves induced by the train when it travels through tunnels. A similar phenomenon can affect operation in underground rail systems. If the extent of the problem is known in good time, various measures can be taken to alleviate the pressures and thereby avoid costly modifications to the tunnels or rolling stock at a later date. Essential information that needs to be known before the appropriate design action can be taken is the level of pressure which people will accept before they turn to alternative modes of transport. British Rail Research has constructed a pressure chamber inside which test subjects can experience accurate simulations of the pressure pulse phenomena to the extent of simulating complete two hour journeys. This paper describes the background need for such a facility, its design and modes of operation, and a number of tests that have already been conducted with it in order to produce comfort criteria. Amplitude of pressure and rapid repetitions of pressure excursion are the features to which passengers are most sensitive.
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Supplemental Notes:
- Fifth International Symposium on the Aerodynamics and Ventilation of Vehicle Tunnels, Lille, France, 20-24 May 1985.
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Corporate Authors:
British Hydromechanics Research Association
Cranfield MK43 0AJ, Bedfordshire, England -
Authors:
- Gawthorpe, R G
- Publication Date: 1985-5
Media Info
- Pagination: n.p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Human factors; Passenger comfort; Pressure; Stresses; Test facilities; Testing
- Identifier Terms: British Rail
- Uncontrolled Terms: Transient stress
- Old TRIS Terms: Tunnel pressures
- Subject Areas: Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00399732
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: British Railways
- Report/Paper Numbers: Paper C4
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Oct 31 1985 12:00AM