A Discussion of Transit Car Features

摘要

The car is a subsystem in the overall system of profile, track, car, stations, power distribution and traffic control. Final decisions have not been made in these areas; therefore, car design must be left somewhat flexible at this time. In subsequent sections it will be demonstrated that car dimensions need not or cannot reasonably exceed certain upper and/or lower limits. Each dimension which has the highest probability of adoption, and the factors affecting its determination will be presented. Behavioral characteristics, physical layout and dimensions determine overall system performance. In several instances a compromise of comfort considerations is necessary after performance and/or cost factors are considered; but the compromise is made as a last step rather than as the first, so that the effect of the compromise is understood. Performance characteristics have received a great deal of attention since they affect directly the ability of the car to provide the high speed, low trip time service specified for the NCTA system. This has involved study of adhesion in steel-wheeled cars, motors, motor controls, brakes, brake controls, suspensions, and the relationship of the car to the profile and to the traffic control system. The analyses of dimensional aspects presented in this study have been made, and the objectives of the study are given. (Author)