REDUCTION OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY COUPLING IMPACT

This paper develops some of the early concepts of a major cause of damage in railroad cars namely switching impacts and the resultant energy that must be absorbed by either the car and its lading or by an impact control device such as draft gear or sliding centersill device. This analysis led to the concept of reduction of coupling force through increase of travel and therefore, duration of impact. It was felt that by these means coupling force can be reduced and consequently, damage would be reduced as well. The concept developed in this paper is still generally accepted and is reflected in the qualification test of all modern underframes.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  Railroad Discussion Group
  Cleveland, OH  United States 
• Authors:
  • Meyer, W J
• Publication Date: 1953-5-11

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 34 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Commodities; Couplers; Crashes; Cushioning materials; Dynamics; Freight transportation; Gears; Loss and damage; Railroad yards; Spring; Suspensions; Technology; Vehicle dynamics; Velocity
• Uncontrolled Terms: Draft gears; Lateral dynamics; Vertical dynamics
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Car impact; Cushioning; Lading damage index
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039920
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Tech Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM