Conceptual Design of a Roller Obstacle Deflector

Abstract

An Obstacle Deflector is a device mounted in front of the trains to sweep away the obstacle off the track or absorb impact energy to prevent derailment. On considering the same concept which sweeps the obstacle, I have designed a device that sweeps away living obstacles (animals, Humans) from the tracks with life expectancy. Many animals are killed over the tracks in regular train accidents. Based on this issue, here my project discusses with the conceptual design of a roller obstacles deflector that absorbs the impact energy on collision and sideways the obstacle using roller based polyethylene rollers applied in front of the train. The cushioning effect designed for the device helps to reduce the impact force when Train hits the living obstacles (Human, cow and elephant) at speed of 30km/hr. or 8111 mm/s., With a load of 50 Tonne. As per study, human pain can be measured in Del (Dolorimeter) which explains that the maximum limit of pain average human being can withstand is 45 Del. But, breaking of a bone is almost equals to 57 Del. Some studies say Del is equal to 1403.508 N forces. By this data and using the reaction forces resulted at the time of clash in Ansys software simulation, we can state the amt. of pain (in terms of DEL) to some living organisms and can conclude the functionality of the device to save the life. This design works for the limited animal category based upon size and weight of the animal. This design works under the limited speed and with limited load to safeguard the animals and humans on the track. This design does not impact on the existing safety conditions of the railways as it’s absorb the impact up to limited extend. The modeling is done using CATIA. The explicit dynamics of impact is done with ANSYS