TRACK-TRAIN DYNAMICS STUDY PROJECT TR-14 RAIL-VEHICLE INTERACTION STUDY REPORT NO. 1 (PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF SAMPLE DATA)

As a result of various derailments, a task force was formed to investigate the dynamic forces exerted by locomotive and freight car wheels against the rail. Critical study was directed at the 3 and 2 axle trucks of high horsepower locomotives, 85 feet TFC cars, and 50 feet box cars. The objective of this investigation was to determine if dynamic forces of sufficient magnitude to cause derailment were being generated by equipment, track structure and operating practice, and to recommend whatever corrective action might be indicated. Extensive field tests of wheel-rail interaction were conducted in various territories between Los Angeles and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. An analysis of these test results led to the following general conclusions: 1. Dynamic forces of sufficient magnitude to cause derailments are being generated in every day operation of revenue trains. 2. The forces are also sufficient to cause greatly accelerated wheel and rail wear. 3. Forces of sufficient magnitude to exceed the ability of the track structure to resist permanent deformation in alignment are also being generated.

• Corporate Authors:

  Southern Pacific Company

  65 Market Street
  San Francisco, CA  United States  94105
• Authors:
  • Lynch, J P
  • TenBroeck, H R
  • Wagner, T B
• Publication Date: 1970-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 126 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle load force; Computer programs; Deformation; Derailments; Diesel locomotives; Dynamic loads; Dynamics; Field tests; Freight cars; Information processing; Locomotives; Railroad cars; Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Technology; Train track dynamics; Wear; Wheel loads; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Lateral dynamics; Vertical dynamics
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Axle loadings; Track deformation
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00033297
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Report No.1
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 7 1976 12:00AM