PASSENGER RIDE COMFORT ON CURVED TRACK

This report gives the results of tests carried out to obtain the necessary data for making recommendations for the permissible speed on curves and the length of transition curves for passenger comfort, and for establishing clearance requirements on curved track. Present speed limitations were established in 1914 by mathematical analysis, personal observation and experience. Since that time changes have been made in track, increases in operating speeds, and the introduction of modern-type passenger equipment with markedly different truck and springing arrangements: In addition, electrical measuring equipment is now available permitting a more exact and scientific evaluation of quantities related to ride comfort. From the results of these tests it was possible to establish a very satisfactory relationship between passenger reaction and the amount of lateral acceleration so that in subsequent tests it was not necessary to use passenger observers. To obtain data on the various types of modern passenger cars being used, running tests were subsequently made on the New York, New Haven & Hartford, the Lackawanna, the Pennsylvania, the Milwaukee, the Santa Fe, and the Burlington Railroads. These tests included not only measurements of lateral acceleration and car body roll on many curves and many miles of track under operating speeds, but also included static lean measurements of the car to determine data on the relationship between car body roll and unbalanced elevation. From a comprehensive study and analysis of these data as presented in the accompanying report, conclusions and recommendations have been formulated.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Reprinted from AREA Proceedings, Volume 56, 1955.
• Corporate Authors:

  Association of American Railroads

  Engineering Research Division
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616
• Publication Date: 1955

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 79 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Curved track; Passenger comfort; Quality control; Railroad tracks; Standards; Superelevation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Transitions
• Old TRIS Terms: Track quality; Track standards
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00047839
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 4 1976 12:00AM