Train Resistance Due to Wave Action

Various forces offer resistance to the movement of a train on the track. These resistances may be a result of the movement of the various parts of the locomotives as well as the friction between them, the irregularities in the track profile, or the atmospheric resistance to a train moving at great speed. The tractive power of a locomotive should be adequate enough to overcome these resistances and haul the train at a specified speed.

Resistance Due to Wave Action

When a train moves with speed, a certain resistance develops due to the wave action of the train. Similarly, track irregularities such as longitudinal unevenness and differences in cross levels also offer resistance to a moving train. Such resistances are different for different speeds. There is no method for the precise calculation of these resistances but the following formula has been evolved based on experience:

R₂ = 0.00008WV (25.2) where R₂ is the resistance due to wave action and track irregularities on account of the speed of the train, W is the weight of the train in tonnes, and V is the speed of the train in km/h.