New Dynamic Pull Tester

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 22, 2009 -
Part of Shuttlewagon’s R&D  efforts is the recent installation of a custom engineered dynamic pull tester at its Grandview, MO manufacturing plant.
This new tester is capable of measuring pulling capacity over a wide range of conditions, and can simulate conditions that occur during movement, which static testers cannot.
Hydraulic pressure levels in the test cylinder allow Shuttlewagon engineers to calculate generated drawbar pull. In addition to mechanical instrumentation (pressure gauges) the tester is equipped with a high precision pressure transducer, and an ultrasonic sensor which measures the linear displacement of the coupler end of the tester. Voltage is recorded using Agilent high speed data acquisition equipment.
This combination of data sources permits the test engineer to discern between legitimate draw bar pull data and transient shock loads which result from the kinetic energy (momentum) of the vehicle, something static testers cannot do.
Additionally, testing can be conducted under load and moving on various rail surfaces (wet, dry, or while dispensing sanding grit). “The results provided by this new tester will help improve the Shuttlewagon’s performance because we are now able to replicate and accurately measure a wider range of conditions”, says Don Jackson, Director of Engineering.
For information on the Shuttlewagon railcar mover or services provided, call 816 767-0300 or visit www.shuttlewagon.com.