eLibrary Search
The FRA eLibrary contains all the documents that are found throughout the FRA Public Website. Multiple pages on the website may link to the same eLibrary item based on its set of metatdata.
Can I find All FRA Documents in the Library?
Some "documents" may not appear here for the following reasons:
- Document resides on an external site for the record of source, links to the document are provided in context but not in the library as FRA does not maintain this record. This document lives on another website.
- Document has not yet been assigned keywords.
- Document is historical and has been removed from library to avoid confusion with current publications.
- Document is public affairs & policy related, such as press releases, speeches, testimony, or fact sheet. These press-related documents can now be found in the FRA Newsroom.
- Document is related to rules and notices. This information can now be found on the Rulemakings search and the Notices search, respectively.
Technical Reports
Vertical Split Rim: Causes and Prevention
Keywords: Vertical split rim, VSR, wheel cracks, finite element analysis, FEA, residual stress, fatigue damage models, finite element, FE
Abstract: Vertical split rim (VSR) is a serious railway wheel failure mode that requires further research. Visual clues are not usually present until the crack propagates through the rim...
Technical Reports
Vehicle Dynamics Models for Derailment Incident Investigation
Keywords: Derailment, freight car dynamics, vehicle dynamics, VAMPIRE simulations, vehicle track interaction, wheel rail interaction
Abstract: When investigating a train derailment, vehicle/track interaction (VTI) using vehicle dynamics simulations of the key vehicles in the derailed train can help identify specific...
Technical Reports
Torsional Strength and Stiffness of a Passenger Car Coupling System
Keywords: Full Scale Testing, H couplers, Coupler Torsion, Torsional Transmission
Abstract: Between September 2019 and June 2022, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored a research team from Sharma & Associates to model and test the torsional strength...
Research Results
Ventilation Design and Procedures for Passenger Rail
Keywords: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored research by the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) to study the principles of fire growth and smoke management, as well as the current state of standards and regulation i
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sponsored research by the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) to study the principles of fire growth...
Research Results
Tensile Test Results of Samples Taken from Critical Areas of Bolsters
Keywords: Bolsters, tensile test, brittle failure, castings, grade B+
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) collaborated with the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) Coupling System and Truck Castings Committee and Transportation...