Why Did TGV Perform So Well?

The author synopsizes an interview with Alstom senior vice president Francois Lacote. The article's focus is on TGV's success in recent high-speed train testing in France, where a new world record of 574.8 km/h was set. Comparison is made to a less successful 1990 rail speed test of TGV Atlantique. Bogie testing, train type, wheel-rail adhesion, brakes, cost, and flying ballast protection are all discussed. Alstom has partnered with French National Railways in setting up approximately 15 teams representing various disciplines to analyze data collected from 200 track sensors and 350 train sensors during recent testing. Confirmed results of data analysis will be forthcoming.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07445326
• Authors:
  • Lacote, Francois
• Publication Date: 2007-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p 48
• Serial:
  • International Railway Journal
  • Volume: 47
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0744-5326

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adhesion; Ballast (Railroads); Brakes; Car trucks (Railroads); Costs; Data analysis; Economics; High speed rail; High speed track; Performance; Sensors; Testing
• Identifier Terms: Alstom Transport SA; Societe nationale des chemins de fer francais; TGV (Express train)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Speed records
• Geographic Terms: France
• Subject Areas: Economics; Finance; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01054112
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 20 2007 10:50AM