A study of starting dynamics in heavy haul trains

Simulations examining train dyanamics at start up were conducted on flat track for different rates of traction application and various different train configurations. To allow easy comparison of results all trains were configured with 240 ore cars and three 196 tonne diesel locomotives capable of 721 kN peak tractive effort. The ore cars were assumed with a gross mass of 142.4 tonnes ( 35.6 tal) making for a total loaded train gross mass of 34,764 tonnes. The behaviour of head end and several versions of distributed power (with remotely controlled locomotives) were simulated. Differing coupler models and wagon pair arrangements were also compared.