Analysis of Crush Behaviours of a Rail Cab Car and Structural Modifications for Improved Crashworthiness

This article reports on a study of the crush behaviors of a rail cab car. The authors present a crashworthiness assessment and suggestions for modification of a conventionally designed rail vehicle with a driving cab (cab car). Their analysis was conducted in two stages: the crashworthiness of the cab car was assessed by simulating a collision between the cab car and a rigid wall; after modification of the design of the car, a collision was simulated again in the same scenario. The results showed an intrinsic weakness of downward bending in conventional rail vehicles. Jackknifing is a main form of failures in conventional rail vehicle components. However, the modified cab car overcomes the original weaknesses and shows the desired progressive collapse behaviour in simulation. The modifications included two energy absorbers added to either side of the draft sill in the end structures of the cab car.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13588265
• Authors:
  • Xue, Xiangdong
  • Smith, R A
  • Schmid, F
• Publication Date: 2005

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 125-136
• Serial:
  • International Journal of Crashworthiness
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 1358-8265
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tcrs20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Collapse; Crashes; Crashworthiness; Energy absorption; Jackknifing; Railcar structural components; Railroad cars; Simulation; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Railroad cab cars
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01002339
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 25 2005 9:36AM