Aerodynamic Effects of High-Speed Trains
With the onset of high-speed train operations in the United States, a study was undertaken to determine the possible aerodynamic effects of these trains have on their surroundings. The aerodynamic interaction between a high-speed train passing other trains, and its effects on the structural integrity of window mounts and glazing as well as the stability of large lightweight empty container cars operating on adjacent tracks were analyzed. Although car-body roll of container car was not significant, the analysis indicates that the potential for derailment was greatest for cars with empty containers, while wheel lift was eliminated and the lateral to vertical wheel/rail forces (L/V) were much lower when all containers were fully loaded. Another area of investigation focused on the effects of aerodynamic pressure and airflow generated from high-speed trains to people standing on the passing station platform. Computational fluid dynamics analysis, rail dynamics simulation models, and field measurements using pitot tubes and aerodynamic dummies developed by the French National Railways (SNCF) were used to study these effects. Preliminary results show the aerodynamic effect of an Acela Express at 150 mph is less than that of a conventional train at 125 mph.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Federal Railroad Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Tsai, Thomas
- Publication Date: 2003-6
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 4p
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Serial:
- Research Results
- Publisher: Federal Railroad Administration
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Publication flags:
Open Access (libre)
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Derailments; High speed rail; Railroad safety
- Uncontrolled Terms: Passenger platforms
- Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01159302
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: RR03-07
- Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Jun 17 2010 7:17AM