An alternative approach to modelling train stability in high cross winds

Y Ding, Mark Sterling, Christopher Baker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A new approach to modelling the stability of trains in high cross winds is suggested. A train journey is simulated along a length of track subject to the passing of a fictitious storm. Four distinct components of the model are developed to achieve this: 1. Spatially correlated time histories of wind velocities for a number of points along the track are simulated. 2. Wind velocity time histories are combined with data from full-scale aerodynamic measurements in order to obtain wind-induced forces and train displacements. 3. The predicted rolling moment is then compared with the restoring moment due to the weight of the train in order to assess train stability. 4. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to in order to establish the probability of trains overturning against various trains speeds for one particular type of storm. It is suggested that this new approach has the potential to provide an insight into the complex issue of train overturning in cross winds.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-97
Number of pages13
JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part F Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit
Volume222
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2008

Keywords

  • risk model
  • train stability
  • probability model
  • full-scale measurements

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