HEAT-ACTIVATED ALARM SYSTEM FOR RAILROAD BOXCARS CARRYING EXPLOSIVES

An alarm system concept designed to alert train operators of excessive heating of any of the wheels of a boxcar laden with high-explosives has been developed. The excessive heat was determined to be caused by friction between a wheel and brake shoe that does not properly release while the train is in motion. The alarm system consists of heat sensors that are located on the boxcar above each wheel. These are wired to an alarm transmitter mounted near the top of the boxcar. This concept requires that each boxcar laden with high explosives be outfitted with the sensors and a transmitter. A receiving system is then located in the train caboose to decode the alarm signals, identify the boxcar, and sound the alarm. The system hardware, tests, and evaluation are described. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Naval Construction Battalion Center

  Civil Engineering Laboratory, Point Mugu
  Port Hueneme, CA  United States  93043
• Authors:
  • Brooks, J L
• Publication Date: 1977-12

Media Info

• Pagination: 27 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Box cars; Brake shoes; Brakes; Braking; Detection and identification; Detectors; Explosives; Fire detection systems; Fire prevention; Fires; Friction; Heat; Railroads; Safety; Sensors; Telemetry; Temperature measuring instruments; Thermostats; Transportation; Warning systems; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Overheating
• Old TRIS Terms: Brake applications; Temperature warning systems
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00176068
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CEL-TN-1512
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 19 1978 12:00AM