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Development of Prototype Commuter Rail Passenger Seats for Use in CEM Passenger Rail Cars
In support of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Equipment Safety Research Program, the Volpe Center has been conducting research to improve occupant protection during accidents for rail car passengers. This report describes a project conducted to develop and test a prototype design for a...
Bi-Level Rollover Rig Design and Construction Estimate Final Report
In 2006, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funded the development of the Passenger Rail Vehicle Emergency Evacuation Simulator, known as the “rollover rig.” This device was constructed to provide the railroad passenger community with the training tools to respond effectively during...
Toxicity Test Requirements and Performance Criteria for Passenger Railcar Materials
Currently, there is no standard for regulating the toxic gas emission in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 130 or Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 238.103. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Fire Test Procedure (FTP) Annex 1: Part 2 toxicity standard with the 25...
Abdomen Impact Testing of the THOR-50M Anthropomorphic Test Device
FRA sponsors ongoing research on passenger rail equipment occupant protection at the Volpe Center. The Volpe Center contracted Calspan to conduct pendulum impact testing of the THOR-50M ATD. A series of 28 pendulum impact tests was performed on the lower chest and abdomen of the THOR-50M to...
LED-Enhanced Sign Research to Reduce Vehicle Queuing at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
Researchers studied the effectiveness of an integrated laser-triggered queue detection system/light-emitting-diode (LED)-enhanced “DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS” sign as compared to a baseline version with no lights. Testing was conducted at the Jay Street grade crossing on the Metro-North Railroad in...