Longitudinal train dynamics and vehicle stability in train operations

This chapter has been designed to provide a hands-on guide to both understanding and analysing longitudinal train dynamics. It is specifically focussed on the longitudinal dynamics of heavy-haul trains and adds new insights to previous work by the author [1–4], along with recent modelling work relevant to passenger trains [5]. It is 12 years since the first edition and the draft gear section is now expanded. New to the chapter is material concerning lateral wagon stability in the presence of lateral coupler force components. Passenger comfort and crashworthiness sections are also updated.