Authors: David C. Tyrell, Kristine J. Severson, Brian P. Marquis

Date of Publication:  November 1995

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Railroad Administration

Performing Organization:  USDOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Report No:

Abstract:

A study of the occupant dynamics and predicted fatalities due to secondary impact for passengers involved in train collisions with impact speeds up to 140 MPH is described.  The principal focus is on the effectiveness of alternate strategies for protecting occupants in train collisions, including friendly interior arrangements and occupant restraints.

Head Injury Criteria (HIC), chest deceleration, and axial neck load were used to evaluate interior performance; the probability of fatality resulting from secondary impacts was evaluated for each of the interior configurations and restraint systems modeled based on these criteria.

The results indicate that compartmentalization can be as effective as a lap belt in minimizing probability of fatality for the 50th percentile male simulated.  Compartmentalization is an occupant protection strategy that requires seats or restraining barriers to be positioned in a manner that provides a compact, cushioned protection zone surrounding each occupant.  When occupants are allowed to travel large distances before impacting the interior, restrained occupants have a much greater chance of survival.  Fatalities from secondary impacts are not expected in any of the scenarios modeled if the occupant is restrained with a lap belt and shoulder harness.
 
 
 

No. of Pages:   19