Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
8-2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Constantine M. Tarawneh
Second Advisor
Dr. Stephen W. Crown
Third Advisor
Dr. Robert Jones
Abstract
Determining the exact load carried by an individual railcar is crucial in the railroad industry. With an accurate load measurement, the filling process can be optimized to provide maximum cargo load without exceeding the loading thresholds set by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). In addition to optimizing the cargo load, an accurate load measurement will make it possible to identify any load imbalance in the railcar which has detrimental effects on bearing. Previous work conducted with a strain-gauge-based load sensor suspended between a thermoplastic steering pad and a bearing adapter provided accurate load data in the laboratory setting. This thesis details the work performed to optimize the load sensor for use in freight railcars, which includes developing a calibration procedure suitable for field service. The thesis also summarizes the efforts undertaken to produce eight load sensor prototypes in preparation for field testing on a freight railcar.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2015 Thomas Michael Diedrich. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/onboard-load-sensor-prototype-use-freight-railcar/docview/1734467417/se-2?accountid=7119