Over-the-Road Testing of the Instrumented Tank Car: A Load Environment Study

摘要

Fractures have been observed on stub sill tank cars for many years. Undetected and unattended, these fractures can develop into a variety of tank car failures. While tank car ruptures are relatively rare, the potential for a catastrophic HAZMAT release has made this a critical issue within the industry. The FRA contracted ENSCO, Inc., to instrument and run an instrumented tank car over the road during a special test. Testing was conducted in a special consist with the intent to collect data from the instrumented tank car, instrumented wheel sets and track geometry. The tank car used for this effort was provided by General Electric.