Technical Reports
Manual for Research, Development and Technology Program and Project Evaluations
This manual provides the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Research, Development and Technology (RD&T) a framework, standards, and procedures for planning, conducting, reporting, and using sound evaluations of RD&T’s projects for improving railroad safety.Feasibility of Flaw Detection in Railroad Wheels Using Acoustic Signatures
The feasibility study on the use of acoustic signatures for detection of flaws in railway wheels was conducted with the ultimate objective of development of an intrack device for moving cars. Determinations of the natural modes of vibrating wheels under various conditions are reported. Differences...Status of the Transportation Technology Center – 2015
The Transportation Technology Center (TTC) is a Federally owned, privately operated test facility in Colorado. It has over 50 miles of test track arranged in different configurations for testing all aspects of vehicle-track interaction. Maximum test speed is 165 mph (265 km/h). Overhead and 3rd...Locomotive Biofuel Study – Rail Yard and Over the Road Measurements Using Portable Emissions Measurement System
The emissions of three locomotive engines were measured with ULSD and multiple biofuel blends, including B10, B20, and B40. B20 biodiesel fuel reduced emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and particulate matter (PM). Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS...Estimation of Actual Residual Stresses Due to Breaking and Contact Loading of Rail Vehicle Wheels
A finite element formulation for shakedown stress analysis of rail vehicle wheels is presented, based on a hypothesis that the shakedown state is axisymmetric. The method can be used to estimate shakedown stresses in wheels subjected to combined mechanical (wheel/rail contact) and thermal (...Law Enforcement Strategies for Preventing Rail Trespassing
The Volpe Center has investigated law enforcement methods that have successfully prevented trespassing along the railroad right of way. The types of law enforcement strategies currently being used and procedures followed in the field are documented, along with any findings on the effectiveness...