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Aerodynamic ordering of freight cars |
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evaluated |
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Many freight trains are mixed, i.e. they are composed of different types of freight cars. In mixed trains air resistance can be substantially reduced by ordering the freight cars in an aerodynamically favourable manner without any changes on the rolling stock itself.
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Technology field: Aerodynamics and friction
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General information
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Description
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Freight trains, although travelling much slower than high speed trains, also consume a high share of their energy demand for overcoming air drag. This can be mainly attributed to the aerodynamically unfavourable shape of freight trains: the space between cars is not shielded, many cars have no roof or cover and are often empty. Many freight trains are mixed, i.e. they are composed of different types of freight cars. In mixed trains air resistance can be substantially reduced by ordering the freight cars in an aerodynamically favourable manner without any changes on the rolling stock itself. |
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General criteria
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Environmental criteria
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Economic criteria
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Application outside railway sector (this technology is railway specific)
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Overall rating
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References / Links:
Vollmer 1989
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Attachments:
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Related projects:
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Contact persons:
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date created: 2002-10-09 |
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© UIC - International Union of Railways 2003 |
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