Proof of Concept for increasing the rolling stock velocity at curvatures by shifting the body frame toward the center of curvature.

19 October 2023, Version 1
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.

Abstract

When rolling stock rounds a curve, if the rails of the track are at the same elevation (ie two tracks are at the same level) the combination of Centrifugal Force (F.c) and the weight of the rolling stock (F.g) will produce a resulting force F.r that does not coincide with the center line of track, thus producing a downward force on the outside rail of the curve that is greater than the downward force on the inside rail. The greater the velocity or the smaller the radius of the curve becomes, the farther the resulting force (Fr) will move away from the center line of the track. Maximum Velocity a train could negotiate a curve is when the Resulting Force (Fr) is acting directly on the outside rail, if the Resultant Force (Fr) acts beyond the outside rail then the rolling stock is at risk of “falling” off the track or overturning. As long as The center of mass and the Resultant Force (Fr) should stay between the rails to prevent overturning. Keeping these parameters into consideration the proof of concept is defined for shifting the frame of rolling stock to increase turning velocity.

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