Description
Course Overview
Centrifugal force is a function of both train speed and track curvature. If trains operated at a low velocity or on a straight track, centrifugal force would not factor into the engineering of a railway, but high speeds and curved tracks require an engineered solution. That solution is superelevation which is also known interchangeably as “cant”.
This course will teach the physics of centrifugal force and the mathematics used by railroad engineers to select a cant angle and spiral transition curve that provides a comfortable ride and minimizes wear on rails and wheels. “Rail-Curve” is the FREE spreadsheet software that comes with the course and takes care of all the number crunching so that we can concentrate on the principles of railroad curve design and evaluation.
There is an eye-opening section on “Vactrain” (Vacuum Tube Train) concepts that promise train speeds of 760 mph (1,200 kph) for Elon Musk’s Hyperloop to 4,000 mph (6,437 kph) for Nic Garzilli’s Hyper Chariot.
The software runs on Microsoft Excel®97 or later. It is available for download after you purchase the course and it is yours to keep for the rest of your engineering career.
Hours: 4