Lightweight Intermodal Flatcar Evaluation Program. Vol. I: Modal Analysis of Railcars, An Explanation and Applications Guide

This report describes a methodology referred to as modal analysis which can be a very useful tool in the study of the dynamic behavior of any elastic or rigid body. The concepts of the technique are defined and illustrated with the use of a relatively simple one dimensional uniform beam. Following this, the general case is formulated and the procedure for its application is summarized. Next, practical considerations are discussed including both the analytical treatment, and the instrumentation and test design. The discussion of modal analysis concludes with the presentation of a program which used the methodology discussed in the report to make a comparative evaluation of two distinctly different rail vehicles. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations for future work are included.

Record URL:
Supplemental Notes:
- The other volumes are as follows: Volume II: Test Results Report (Including Appendix A- Transducer Locations), FRA/ORD-80/07.II; and Volume III: Data Appendices (B through F), FRA/ORD-80/07.III.
Corporate Authors:
ENSCO, Incorporated

Rail Transportation Engineering Division
Alexandria, VA United States 22303

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590
Authors:
- Kenworthy, M A
- Smith, J I
Publication Date: 1979-12

Language

English

Media Info

Media Type: Digital/other
Edition: Technical Report
Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
Pagination: 210p

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Flat cars; Instrumentation; Modal analysis; Railroad cars; Vehicle dynamics; Vehicle tests
Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01641803
Record Type: Publication
Report/Paper Numbers: FRA/ORD-80/07.I, DOT-FR-79-24
Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-64113
Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
Created Date: Jul 3 2017 9:48AM