ALUMINUM IN ROLLING STOCK IMPACT TESTS AT COLLISION SPEEDS

The paper records the results of 75 impact tests, 47 of which occurred between the speeds of 5 to 15.4 mph on an all-aluminum 70 ton capacity covered hopper car. Coupler forces ranged between 500,000 and 947,000 lbs. The hopper car was equipped with aluminum centersill and bolsters. Summary values of strain gauge reading are presented. Considerable space is devoted to describing the damage to various parts of the "hammer" and "anvil" cars as a result of the highest speed collision. One of the unique results of the test explained in the paper is a schedule showing coupler force distribution from the centersill to the carbody, along the length of the car from the collision point. The discussion on location of strain gauge is very adequate, but little specific information is given on stress levels recorded. There is a graph showing average longitudinal compressive stresses recorded in the aluminum centersill along with a design specification for the centersill.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  Two Park Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5990
• Authors:
  • Campbell, R A
  • Sutherland, J G
  • Whiting, J F
• Publication Date: 1958-4

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Couplers; Crashes; Freight cars; Hopper cars; Impact loads; Railroad cars; Railroad trains; Stresses; Technology; Vehicle dynamics
• Uncontrolled Terms: Contact stress
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Car impact; Impact loading
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00033266
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 58-RR-1 Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM