Railcar Stability: How Do They Stay Upright on a Narrow Track?

  • Thread starter ScienceGuyOrg
  • Start date
In summary, rails can tip over if there is too much weight up high, and the tracks are not bedded or tied in properly.
  • #1
ScienceGuyOrg
8
0
Hello, new to this forum. My work is in computers but I have hobbies that are related to physics; model airplanes, water rockets, solar model cars, and kites. I have a science related website << link deleted by berkeman >> (non-profit), but my question which relates to an article I am working on, is how do rail cars that sit on a track 5 feet wide and are much taller, not tip over going around a bend?

I know the wheel trucks are very heavy but it still apears there can be a lot of weight up high like in an autorack or stacked containers.

Thanks for any replies,

Bill Kuhl
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
It's basically gravity. If you draw a free body diagram, there is the center of mass, with gravity acting -vertically, and any side loads acting horizontally. Each, then produces a moment about each wheel.

So long as the moment created by the weight is greater than the inertial load, you're good. A quick google shows a somewhat humerous solution at cow-tipping.
http://emweb.unl.edu/Mechanics-Pages/Matt-Semke/The Statics of Cow Tipping.htm
 
  • #3
I like your example! clever
 
  • #4
ScienceGuyOrg said:
I like your example! clever
And, BTW, rail cars DO tip over. The curves in all tracks cannot all be approached with the same speeds. There are some small, relatively sharp curves in switching yards that have to be negotiated at a crawl, though it would be very expensive to have to travel those speeds on long lines or spurs.

Rails that were laid many years ago might not have been bedded and tied in such a way as to support the heavier engines and freight cars that we use today. As a result, the tracks and beds have to be repositioned and re-compacted. In the old days, reconditioning the lines was done by hand, with crews of tampers and gandy-dancers. Google on "Tamp 'em up Solid" by Ry Cooder.
 
  • #5
Also, as in speedways and highways, when properly designed for a rated speed the tracks are banked. There was a passenger train in England designed to tilt the cars into turns so it could run on older tracks, according to a history channel show.
 

FAQ: Railcar Stability: How Do They Stay Upright on a Narrow Track?

Why do railcars not tip over?

Railcars are designed with a low center of gravity and a wide base, making them stable and resistant to tipping over. Additionally, railcars are connected to each other and to the tracks, providing even more stability and preventing them from tipping over.

What factors contribute to the stability of railcars?

Several factors contribute to the stability of railcars, including their low center of gravity, wide base, and connection to the tracks. The weight distribution of the cargo within the railcar also plays a role in maintaining stability.

Can railcars still tip over under certain circumstances?

While railcars are designed to be very stable, they can still tip over under certain circumstances, such as when they are overloaded or when they encounter sharp turns or uneven tracks. However, these situations are rare and can be prevented by proper loading and maintenance of the railway tracks.

How do railcar engineers ensure that railcars do not tip over?

Railcar engineers use advanced design techniques and computer simulations to ensure that railcars are stable and resistant to tipping over. They also conduct rigorous testing and make adjustments to the design as needed to improve stability.

Are there any safety measures in place to prevent railcars from tipping over?

Yes, there are several safety measures in place to prevent railcars from tipping over. These include weight restrictions for cargo, regular maintenance of railway tracks, and safety features such as couplers and brakes that help distribute weight and maintain stability during travel.

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top