Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Pennsylvania. / Accompanied by a folder depicting freight car assembly. Bibliography: p. 50-51.

Thesis (M.E.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Civil Engineering, 1978.

Thesis (M.S.)--Northwestern University. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 1927. / "References" at end of each chapter.

The material properties of the candidate fiber-reinforced composite materials and different fabrication methods for fiber composites were discussed. The improvement of the hand lay-up process for polyurethane impregnated Kevlar was investigated. Testing samples for lab and prototype tests were fabricated by hand lay-up process. The study showed that fiber composites fabricated by the hand lay-up process can achieve good properties, and advanced fabrication methods could be applied In industrial manufacturing processes to improve the fiber composite properties. A nonlinear static analysis was discussed. The ANSYS finite element analysis computer program was used to build stress analysis models, simulate the loading conditions, and perform the nonlinear static analysis. The tensile strength proof test was designed and done by using a microcomputer controlled Instron 4505. It showed that the different types of fiber composites can meet the strength requirements for the application. Polyurethane impregnated Kevlar showed the best strength properties among the different types of fiber composites, which were fabricated and tested. The wear and abrasion properties of the different types of fiber composites were discussed and relevant tests were introduced. An ultraviolet light exposure test and the Oregon Department of Transportation road-cover test were conducted. Moisture and acid resistance and cost analysis were also discussed. Based on the results of the study, a prediction of the optimal fiber-reinforced composite materials was made. Also, various conclusions and recommendations for future research work were made. / Graduation date: 2000

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Includes bibliographical references. / by Susan Marie Krolewski. / M.S.

Historically, wagons have been designed according to the American Association of Railroads specifications. These require that wagons be designed to withstand a static load between the couplers of 350 tons. This implies that the structure has a certain stiffness. In order to improve load to tare ratio, there has been talk of reducing the end load specifications. This implies that the stiffness of the wagon will reduce. Using more flexible wagons implies that the freight will probably be exposed to a harsher dynamic environment. There is a trade off between the cost of packaging and the cost of protection devices installed in the vehicle. If handling damage can be prevented then an understanding of the dynamic environment will assist in reducing the packaging requirement. This research looked at the dynamic characteristics of an existing design of wagon using modal analysis. The results from the modal analysis were extended to be inputs to the time domain freight model. Various analytical models of the freight were developed depending on the configuration and dynamic properties. Special consideration was given to a cylinder with its axis transverse to the wagon. The modal model was modified to accommodate the change in mass imposed by the freight. The various sources of dynamic excitation were explored, namely inputs from the coupler and from the bogie. Data from shunting yard simulations were used to generate spectra as input to the wagon model. The objective was to use modal techniques to be able to take individual components, form them into a complete model and make informed decisions about the suitability of a certain configuration for traffic. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.