ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMICS OF A RAIL CAR FROM ITS RESPONSE TO RANDOM INPUT

The parameters which define the dynamic behavior of a physical system can be determined by analyzing the response of the system to a random input. Application of the random process technique to one of the U.S. Department of Transportation's rail research cars is described. One of these railcars was instrumented, operated over selected portions of mainline track between Washington and Baltimore, and analyzed for its dynamic properties. The theory and experiment are described, and the dynamic model of the railcar which was used is briefly presented. Results including natural frequencies for the car system, mode shapes for the principle modes, and revised values for important parameters are presented.

• Corporate Authors:

  International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems

  Box 4824, Duke Station
  Durham, NC  United States  27706

  Planning Transport Associates, Incorporated

  P.O. Box 4824, Duke Station
  Durham, NC  United States  27706
• Authors:
  • Hutchens, W A
  • Haight, E C
  • Milner, J L
• Publication Date: 1975-3

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 449-457
• Serial:
  • High Speed Ground Transportation Journal
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Mathematical models; Passenger comfort; Ride quality; Suspension systems; Test vehicles; Train track dynamics; Vehicle performance
• Old TRIS Terms: Dynamic vehicle performance; Test cars
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00083912
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 1 1976 12:00AM