Prediction of injury to passengers of railway rolling stock based on modern physical simulation methods

Abstract

A technique for assessing the levels of injury to passengers and train crew members in emergency collisions is proposed. It is based on the use of physical methods for simulating fast-flowing non-linear processes of material deformation in emergency situations and anthropometric dummies. Based on the analysis of world and domestic experience in the study of injuring people in emergency situations in transport, an anthropometric 50 percentile male Dummy Hybrid III was adopted as a research tool. Its mathematical model is developed. It was verified by data from field experiments. The developed dummies are integrated into mathematical models for the development of emergency scenarios. As objects of study, the most promising types of rail car layout and two locomotive options were considered for the domestic rolling stock. Based on the simulation results, the values of the criteria for injuring passengers and members of locomotive crews in emergency situations are obtained. The most dangerous positions of passengers in the car during longitudinal collision of trains for the considered layout options are determined. It has been established that the most serious injuries are suffered by passengers and members of locomotive crews as a result of their interaction with car interior items and controls of the driver’s cab.