The capacity of a rail convoy often needs to be adjusted to adapt to peak traffic. Many trains have a fixed configuration. It is therefore necessary to resort to coupling between two trains:. They are then linked together by an automatic coupler, consisting of: mechanical systems to ensure the connection between the two trains, pneumatic ducts to guarantee continuity between the two trains, and finally, electrical connector heads to allow both trains to be controlled from a single cabin.
To optimise aerodynamics, coupling systems are sometimes hidden away behind hatches. How does coupling between two trains work? How does the air conditioning work in a train? And the tracks, with or without stones?
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Others Others. Thus the left wheel of the train was smaller than the right wheel of the train. As a result the whole assembly probably turned even farther to the left—in the direction of the smaller circumference wheel and eventually fell off the tracks. The opposite was probably the case if you off-centered the assembly to the right. The second setup, however, should have stayed on the track—even if you off-centered it.
When you off-centered this setup to the left the part of the cup that was sitting on the left rail became larger than the part of the cup that was sitting on the right rail.
In this case the left wheel of the train was larger than the right wheel of the train. As a result the assembly probably turned right and corrected its position closer to the center of the track.
Whenever this wheel setup became off-centered it automatically corrected its course toward the center, which makes it a very stable system. This same principle you observed on the incline also helps the wheels stay on track when a train is turning.
As the wheel sizes change when the train is pushed sideways during a turn the outside wheel which becomes larger is able to move a greater distance than the inside wheel which becomes smaller. This way the outside wheel can cover more distance while rotating at the same rate. This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies. Already a subscriber? Sign in.
Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Materials At least four plastic or Styrofoam cups of the same size. The cups should not have a raised edge at the top. Tape Two rulers or yard sticks of the same length Book or box Flat workspace that can have items taped to it Flexible cardboard or construction paper optional Scissors optional Wooden skewers optional Preparation Take two cups and tape them together with their bases facing each other.
This is your first cup setup. Take the other two cups and tape them together with their tops facing each other. This is your second cup setup. Can you describe the differences between the shapes of the first and second cup setup? How do they look similar or different?
Which one looks more stable to you? Set up a model railroad track with the two rulers or yardsticks and your book or box. Place the rulers in parallel with one side on the book and the other on the work surface, creating an incline. Stand the rulers up on their sides so that the long narrow sides are pointing up and that you will be able to fit each of the cup setups across the track.
Tape the rulers securely in place. Procedure Carefully place the first cup setup across the track at the top of the slope. Try to place it as close to the center as possible. Why would it matter how you place the cups on the track? Let go of the cup setup, and let it roll down the track. What do you notice? How does this cup setup behave on the track? Repeat this step several times, and observe what happens to the cup setup on the track each time.
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