Collision dynamics modeling of crash energy management passenger rail equipment : a thesis submitted by Karina M. Jacobsen

Details

• Alternative Title:
  Collision dynamics modeling of crash energy management passenger rail equipment
• Creators:
  Jacobsen, Karina M.
• Corporate Creators:
  Tufts University
• Contributors:
  Perlman, A.B.
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Collisions Commuter Cars Couplers Three-dimensional Models Crash Energy Management Crash Injury Research Crash Tests Crashworthiness Finite Element Method Passenger Cars Specifications Structural Analysis

  More +
• Resource Type:
  Thesis
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Corporate Publisher:
  Tufts University
• Abstract:
  Crash Energy Management (CEM) is a crashworthiness strategy that
  
  incorporates crush zones into the design of passenger railcars. In the event of a
  
  collision, crush zones are engineered to collapse in a controlled manner and
  
  distribute crush to unoccupied areas throughout a train. This approach manages
  
  dissipation of the collision energy more effectively and efficiently than conventional
  
  railcar designs.
  
  A train-to-train collision scenario is the basis for evaluation of crashworthiness
  
  in passenger railcars. This thesis uses a three-dimensional model of a CEM
  
  passenger train to simulate train collisions. The model is evolved in three stages: a
  
  single car model, a two-car model, and a train-to-train model. The key features
  
  include crush zones at both ends of the passenger railcars with a pushback coupler,
  
  suspension characteristics between the trucks and car body, and derailment
  
  characteristics to approximate the wheel-to-rail interaction. The results of each
  
  model are compared and validated with data from full-scale impact tests conducted
  
  for CEM passenger rail equipment.
  
  The three-dimensional collision dynamics model developed for this thesis serves
  
  two roles: to explain the events of a CEM train-to-train test and to develop a tool
  
  for evaluating other collision conditions and equipment variations. The first role is
  
  accomplished and demonstrated through comparison of results with a full-scale test.
  
  The second role is accomplished through the documentation and demonstration of
  
  the features needed to assess other conditions and demands on CEM. The future
  
  uses of the model include investigation of new designs of CEM equipment and evaluation of crashworthiness performance in more complex collision conditions
  
  such as oblique impacts and grade crossing collisions.
  
  
• Format:
  PDF
• Collection(s):
  Volpe Center
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:a13cafc7dc8e75e47acb39b6d087c34394f962c0d4ae67900bda878de68f10778b114e2df450a00a5130dddd2b711e2a23c3a79370c630ee2c6f6e362ece691b
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/10035/dot_10035_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 5.57 MB ]