Author: Chris J. Boon, William F. Hayes, J. Kevin Kesler, Brian T. Whitten

Date of Publication:  May 1992

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Research and Development

Performing Organization:  ENSCO, Inc.; The Canadian Institute of Guided Ground Transport, Queen's University

Report No:  DOT/FRA/ORD-92-03

Abstract:

This report presents an assessment of the technical and operational features of existing and proposed tilt-body rail passenger vehicles. Basic concepts of railroad route selection, track geometry, and curve negotiation are reviewed, and the rationale, advantages and disadvantages associated with body tilting and the techniques used to achieve body tilt are discussed.

An overview of the development status and selected key characteristics of tilt technologies are prevented. Issues associated with development and operation of tilt-body technologies in the U.S. are identified and analyzed, including a review of U.S. experience to date, areas of incompatibility of foreign tilt technology with existing U.S. equipment and infrastructure, special maintenance procedures and skill requirements, and compliance with FRA and other regulations.

Appendices to the report present discussions on the physics of curve negotiation for conventional and tilting vehicles, the principles of tilting and tilt control strategies and mechanisms, and a description and technical characterization of the principal tilt technologies.
 

No. of Pages:  208