This is a short 7 page non-tailorable test method. The purpose of this test method is to replicate the railroad car impact conditions that occur during the life of transport of systems, subsystems and units, hereafter called materiel, and the tiedown arrangements during the specified logistic conditions. Impacts that may occur during rail shipment, to verify the structural integrity of the materiel, to evaluate the adequacy of the tiedown system and the tiedown procedures, and to assess transportability. This method is not intended for railcar crash conditions, or for separate testing of small, individually packaged pieces of materiel that would normally be shipped (and tested) when mounted on a pallet, or as part of larger materiel.

 

Photo: Turkish MBT (Main Battle Tank) named “Altay” carried on railways.

 

Effects of Rail Impact

 

Rail impact shock has the potential for producing adverse effects on the physical and functional integrity of transported materiel. The following are examples of problems that could occur when materiel is exposed to the rail impact environment.

 

a. Loosening of tiedown straps.

b. Failure of attachments, creating a safety hazard.

c. Shifting of materiel on the railcar.

d. Failure of materiel.

e Structural failure.

f. Fuel spills.

 

Figure: DOA Technical Bulletin TB 55-100, As an example

 

Design and Modeling Guidance

 

If it is desired to determine if a test item is capable of withstanding the rail impact environment, an analytical simulation may be created to predict response levels on the item of interest. A rail impact shock example for the railcar deck was computed for use in design specifications and as a starting point for dynamic models of materiel transported by rail. Detailed information can be obtained from paragraph 6.1, reference b, that provides insight to support shock design for rail transport, but should not be considered as approved design guidance. Subjecting materiel to a lab shock test or performing an analytical simulation does not eliminate the requirement to conduct a rail impact test.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

 

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