Sharma & Associates, Inc. — Department of Transportation SBIR Phase I: 151FR3

Description

Autorack cars transport one of the most valuable commodities – fully assembled Automobiles. Due to the longer and higher profile of an Autorack and the fact that heavy automobiles are loaded on to high deck levels, freight trucks with improved track-to-vehicle dynamics as well as higher speed capabilities are desired in anticipation of higher speed passenger service and shared corridors. Unique track-to-vehicle dynamics as well as space requirements create a unique challenge in designing improved freight truck designs for Autorack cars. The higher speed freight truck (HST) developed under FRA sponsorship holds promise for such application. SA will research current state-of-the-art truck designs and compare vehicle dynamics performance of the most prevelant design with those of the HST. SA will then develop a concept for the next generation freight truck for Autorack cars such that it meets desired dynamics as well as necessary clearance requirements..