Power required by locomotive (tractive effort etc.)

[sbasak]

Can anyone tell me how hauling capacity/tractive effort of a locomotive is measured theoretically.

I know following formula can be applied to calculate power required to move an automobile at specific speed.

Power = (Cd*rho*FrontalArea*v^2+u*mass*g+mass*g*sin(x))*v

v = velocity, x = gradient
rho = density of air, u = coeff. of friction

Can I use the same formula for calculating power required by a train locomotive?

Thanks

 

[GregLocock]

you could, if the equation was correct. I can see one error. Also, I doubt that Cd is readily applicable to a train, you probably need to explicitly allow for the length of the train.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[needahandle]

Be sure to include "Davis Equation", or "Davis Formula" in your Google search....