THE DRAG OF RAILWAY CARS OF NEW DESIGN

The air resistance characteristics of two train configurations, one of modern, conventional design and the other aerodynamically designed to reduce drag, were determined from train models. The lower drag of the new design was due to the reduction in total surface area, to the important improvement in underbody design including the recessing of trucks and wheels, to the removal of the many appurtenances on the tops and sides of the cars, and the reduction of wake drag. Not only was the absolute drag reduced, but the tests showed that the rate of change of drag with velocity was considerably less for the new design than for the conventional train.

• Corporate Authors:

  Chesapeake and Ohio Railway

  Terminal Tower, PO Box 6419
  Cleveland, OH  United States  44101
• Authors:
  • Burlage Jr, H
• Publication Date: 1954-12-13

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 35 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; High speed rail; Locomotives; Railroad trains; Simulation; Technology; Trucks; Vehicle design; Vehicle dynamics; Velocity; Wheels
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Car design; Locomotive design; Wheel design
• Subject Areas: Design; Motor Carriers; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040128
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Test Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM