Resistance of a Freight Train to Forward Motion - Volume III, Economic Analysis and Correlation of Predictions with Field Data

摘要

This final report is a supplement to two earlier FRA reports on train resistance and its impact upon fuel consumption. The portion of this effort reported was partly directed toward detailed correlation of predictions of fuel consumption from simulated runs with actual field measurement. In addition, computer simulations were made in an effort to corroborate some theoretical curves set forth in Volume II and other places in the literature. The economics of fuel savings effected through the use of light weight hopper cars in unit coal train service are examined in great detail, and various types of economic models which might be used to evaluate such savings and considerations concerning the proper selection of one of them are discussed in an appendix. Consideration is given to future investigations and conclusions are drawn. A second appendix explains the improvements made to the computer program since the version reported in Volume II and the modifications to the calculating routine to optimize the efficiency of the program and minimize operating time.