STRENGTH OF BODIES OF PASSENGER COACHES. DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD USING THE GENERAL THEORY OF REDUNDANT FRAMES AND THE METHOD OF "FINITE ELEMENTS" FOR THE CALCULATION OF PASSENGER COACH BODIES - EXAMINATION OF RESOURCES AND RESULTS

This report recalls the method using the general theory of redundant frames (see ORE-Report B 7/RP 7) and also presents in detail the "finite element" method for the complete calculation of the bodies of passenger coaches (stresses, deflections and natural frequency). The characteristics inherent in each method are examined and a comparison made between the calculated values and the experimentally measured values in the case of the standard CFF domestic service coach. The costs and the fields of application of the two methods are specified in particular. The possibilities offered by the three-dimensional finite element analysis for calculating any structure of railway stock (asymmetrical coach body, tank wagon, bogie frame, solid wheel, rail, bridge structure etc.) are also indicated. A few indications are also provided to show how, in the case of a conventional coach, it is possible to deduce the natural frequency of the fitted body from the value calculated for the shell. Finally, the appendices to the report provide all necessary instructions for using the calculation programme of the two methods and the practical application procedures.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Restrictions on the use of this document are contained in the explanatory material.
• Corporate Authors:

  International Union of Railways

  Office of Research and Experiments
  Utrecht,   Netherlands 
• Publication Date: 1973-10

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 27 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Finite element method; Motor vehicle bodies; Passenger cars; Vehicle design
• Old TRIS Terms: Car body; Passenger car design; Question b7
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052628
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: International Union of Railways
• Report/Paper Numbers: B7/RP 8/E
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1976 12:00AM