The geometry of curves and the tilting train

This paper looks at the reasons for introducing transitions between straights and circular curves in railway tracks and the form these might take. The majority of these investigations focus on the behaviour of the vehicle on the track. The mathematical or civil engineering solutions overlook the core objective which, for high speed trains, is passenger comfort. The author examines in some detail the accelerations of a normal railway vehicle as experienced by passengers seated in different parts of the vehicle as it traverses a transition. The behaviour of tilting trains is then examined, as perceived by seated passengers. It is concluded that tilting trains are not all made equal, and a type which will give greater passenger comfort is suggested. For the covering abstract see ITRD E125214.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0947644431
• Authors:
  • RASTALL, J
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 8pp
• Serial:
  • PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, RAILWAY ENGINEERING 2000, HELD LONDON, UK, JULY 2000 - CD-ROM
  • Publisher: ENGINEERING TECHNICS PRESS

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Conferences; Curvature; High speed ground transportation; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Smoothness; Tilting trains; Vehicle occupants
• ITRD Terms: 2267: Attitude (psychol); 8525: Conference; 2870: Degree of curvature; 3071: Evenness; 1163: High speed; 1062: Railway track; 1269: Tilting train; 1268: Train; 1715: Vehicle occupant
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles; I92: Vehicle Comfort;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01011742
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-947644-43-1
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 19 2005 3:28PM