ANALYTIC STUDIES OF THE EFFECTS OF TRACK GEOMETRY VARIATION

In this report, analyses are described which were used to aid in the planning of tests carried out on track in Bennington, New Hampshire in August 1982. These tests were designed to provide insight into practical aspects of track safety standards. General results for a fully loaded 100-ton hopper car are used to support the validation of the computer simulation program SIMCAR. In addition, particular results are given for the partially loaded 100-ton car. Extensions beyond existing data are given for response to combined crosslevel and gage cusps and long wavelength alignment sinusoids in tight curves. Conclusions are reached on the limit to geometries beyond which derailment is predicted.

• Record URL:
  https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/analytic-studies-effects-track-geometry-variation
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Analytic Sciences Corporation

  6 Jacob Way
  Reading, MA  United States  01867

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Blader, F B
  • Mealy, G L
• Publication Date: 1985-7

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 76 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Computer programs; Curved track; Derailments; Rail (Railroads); Railroad tracks; Rolling contact; Safety; Simulation; Standards; Structural design; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safety standards; Track geometry
• Geographic Terms: New Hampshire
• Subject Areas: Public Transportation; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00451488
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FRA/ORD-85/01 Final Rpt., DOT-TSC-FRA-84-3
• Contract Numbers: TR-1922-4
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Nov 30 2000 12:00AM