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Technical Reports

Flaw Detection in Rails

The Physical principles and techniques of magnetic and ultrasonic flaw detection in rails are given. The intended use, working principles and layout of various rail flaw detector systems and the procedure for working with them are described. The methodology of rail inspection, both in the field...

Engineering Data on Selected High Speed Passenger Trucks

The purpose of this Project is to compile a list of high speed truck engineering parameters for characterization in dynamic performance modeling activities. Data tabulations are supplied for trucks from France, Germany, Italy, England, Japan, U.S.S.R., Canada and The United States.

Economics of Concrete- and Wood-Tie Track Structure

This report presents results from an evaluation of the economic benefits of concrete- versus wood-tie track. The analysis includes the life-cycle capital, maintenance, and renewal costs for concrete- and wood-tie track for four specific test cases and traffic ranges from 15 to 40 annual million...

Draft Gear/Cushioning Unit Optimization for Train Action - Interim Report

This interim report describes the work done to date under Task 5 - Draft Gear/Cushioning Unit Optimization of the Track Train Dynamics program. Existing analysis tools for estimating train action forces were reviewed. Alternative approaches for analytical representation of currently used draft...

An Evaluation of Performance Requirements for Cross Ties and Fasteners

This report was prepared as part of the Improved Track Structures Research Program managed by the Transportation Systems Center. This program is sponsored by the Office of Rail Safety Research, Improved Track Structures Research Division, of the Federal Railroad Administration. The report...

Vertical Shaker System Laboratory Tests of Trailer on a Flatcar (CR-124)

This report describes full scale Trailer on a Flatcar (TOFC) optimization tests performed during 1976 on the Vertical Shaker System at the Rail Dynamics Laboratory, Pueblo, CO. The purpose of these tests was to evaluate the effect of TOFC system component changes on lading vibration levels and...

Users' Manual for Kalker's Simplified Nonlinear Creep Theory

The conversion of the computer program, "Simplified Theory of Rolling Contact," (used for calculation of a nonlinear creep force-creepage relationship) from the original Algol language to Fortran is considered. The Algol program was written by Professor J. J. Kalker and was derived from the paper...