United States Department of Transportation
i
Preparations for a train-to-train impact test of crash-energy management passenger rail equipment
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2005-03-16
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[PDF-941.51 KB]
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Alternative Title:Proceedings of the 2005 Joint Rail Conference
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Abstract:Preparations are ongoing for a full-scale train-to-train
impact test of crash-energy management (CEM) equipment,
during which a cab car-led passenger consist, initially moving
at 30 mph, will impact a standing locomotive-led consist. The
colliding consists will be of approximately equal masses. This
test is planned for November 2005.
The purpose of the full-scale testing program is to define
the crashworthiness performance of conventional and CEM
passenger equipment. In the train-to-train test of conventional
equipment, the lead cab car crushed by nearly 22 feet and
overrode the standing locomotive. In the train-to-train test of
CEM equipment, the leading end of the impacting cab car is
expected to crush by approximately 3 feet and distribute crush
to the successive car interfaces. The consist is expected to
remain in-line, with no lateral buckling and override modes of
deformation.
This paper describes the steps being taken to develop a
CEM cab car crush zone design, based upon the recently
developed and tested coach car crush zone design. The
components required for an effective CEM cab car design
include a push-back coupler, energy absorbing elements, a
crushable anti-climber to manage the interaction with the
locomotive, and a cage for preserving the operator's space.
Preliminary predictions of the dynamic response of the two
consists include the distribution of crush among the cars in the
train and the decelerations of the cars. These predictions are
compared with the measurements made during the conventional
train-to-train test.
While the CEM design preserves occupant volume, the
secondary impact velocities in the lead cab car and the first
coach car may be more severe. Five occupant experiments will
be included on the cab car and first coach car of the full-scale
train-to-train impact test to ensure that the occupants are
protected during the collision. These occupant experiments
will include modified versions of forward-facing intercity seats,
forward- and rear-facing commuter seats, and facing commuter
seats with intervening workstation tables.
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