Composite car carriers ride the rails

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Mechanical Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:5483900

Ashley, S

This paper reports on the development of an advanced-technology rail-car that does a better, more cost-effective job of shipping motor vehicles. After assembling a team of specialist suppliers to design and build the major subassemblies the prototype SMART car (Secured Modular Automotive Rail Transport) was completed. The SMART car design team adopted a clean sheet approach. The innovative new auto carrier is built around a two-unit articulated spine car, which is a lightweight and efficient design based on a single center sill (the spine) and cantilevered outriggers to support he load. Low-mass corrosion-resistant thermoplastic resin-composite modules for housing the autos---the largest poltruded-composite structures ever built---are triple-stacked on the spine car platforms. Both features help make the SMART car's tare weight from 5 to 10 percent less than conventional equipment, which saves fuel. The truck/suspension system is designed to be stable up to 80 miles per hour, with suspension and shock-damping systems designed around the natural frequency response of auto components to limit damage.

• OSTI ID: 5483900
• Journal Information: Mechanical Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Mechanical Engineering; (United States) Vol. 112:12; ISSN MEENA; ISSN 0025-6501
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320202* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Railway
AUTOMOBILES
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CORROSION PROTECTION
DESIGN
FUEL ECONOMY
LAND TRANSPORT
MATERIALS
RAIL TRANSPORT
RAILROAD CARS
TRAINS
TRANSPORT
VEHICLES