Stringent demands regarding longitudinal forces stand in the way of the use of light-weight designs for railcars and multiple units. Problems regarding mechanical strength repeatedly arise at the transition between high-floor and low-floor sections. It is possible, whilst guaranteeing the same safety level, to transpose the passive safety associated with longitudinal compressive forces into possible collision scenarios. Such scenarios are comprised of collision speeds, collision adversaries (i.e. the other vehicles involved) and tolerated consequences. As part of a research project known as "DYNDIM", a standardized procedure has been drawn up to make it possible to grant type approvals to railcars and multiple units with reduced longitudinal compressive forces without the need for them to comply with the additional operational requirements laid down in the "LNT rules". The medium-term intention is for the procedure to be converted into a national engineering standard.
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