ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF HIGH-SPEED TRAINS

The significance of air resistance increases with the value and the duration of the applied maximum speeds. For multiple-unit trains the practical degrees of streamlining are: none for conventional rapid transit; medium or low for super rapid transit; and high or medium for corridor trains. Power and energy requirements are strongly affected by loaded car weight, not only during acceleration but also at maintained top speed. The maximum power requirement for propulsion is proportional to the product of maximum accelerating rate and highest speed at which still applied. Kinetic energy is a significant part of the total energy requirement. Extremely high train resistance, low balancing speed and high power requirement at top speed result from abnormally strong winds in open air. Air resistance is especially high in long single track tunnels.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • De Koranyi, L
• Publication Date: 1966-7-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 533-537
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); High speed rail; Mathematical models; Railroad trains; Rolling resistance; Technology; Tunnels; Velocity; Wind
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Mathematical studies
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040111
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 22 1973 12:00AM