Realistic Acceleration Model
 

Hello,

I’m working on a computer game, and part of it needs to model train timetabling. For simplicity, I’ve decided on having just two types of locomotive: diesel and electric.

The question I’m trying to answer is this: How long does it take for an average [Diesel/Electric] passenger train with C coaches to reach its maximum speed, and how long does it take to reduce its speed down again to 0 for the next station?

Feel free to make whatever assumptions you like.

If anyone could provide me with a formula for the train’s maximum rate of acceleration over time from a standing start (and indeed deceleration from maximum speed), that’d be even better!

Many thanks,
Paul

Essentially maths & physics calculations, but rather complicated because train resrstance changes with velocity, as does power output of locomotives. And you also have to cater for changes in gradients, speed restrictions, etc. Good luck.

The following may help a bit (.doc file download) - for acceleration:--

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...aVebXrA8ae1q6w
and for braking

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...dXghvmKA-K_Rpg

If the links fail, do a Google search for "train acceleration model".