Tilting train smooths out the curves

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Mechanical Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:6000606

O'Connor, L

This article describes a Swedish train that leans into curves and speed around them safely at more than 100 miles per hour and is being tested on a tortuous railroad corridor in the Northeast United States. If the test proves successful, the train--the X2000--could become a fixture in the country's rail system. The train has flexible steering that allows the wheels to hug the rail and permits it to drive around turns faster than most other trains, according to Amtrak. Further, all of the train, expect the locomotive, tilts as it winds its way around the curves. The tilting compensates for the centrifugal force on passengers at high speeds. The X2000 is one of several train systems under consideration by railroads in the United States to improve the rail system in the country. Among the others are Germany's Inter-City Express (ICE) and France's Train a Grande Vitesse (TGV), built by GEC Alshthom (Paris).

• OSTI ID: 6000606
• Journal Information: Mechanical Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Mechanical Engineering; (United States) Vol. 115:2; ISSN MEENAH; 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
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
MOMENT OF INERTIA
RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEMS
TRAINS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
VEHICLES
WHEELS