Composite driving end structures for rail applications

Vehicle end structures are a vital element in the operation of all new rolling stock and are required to perform a variety of functions ranging from providing structural integrity as part of the overall body to protection of occupants in collisions and derailments. In the UK rail industry, composites have been mainly used for cosmetic appearance and providing fire protection. The use of composites for the main bodyshell structural applications, where a high degree of structural integrity is required, has remained relatively unexplored. The paper will examine the major technical requirements composite driving end structures must meet if they are to feature for future use in UK passenger rolling stock applications. The research being undertaken at ARRC to design and develop such structures will be described and the key challenges that designers will face in producing composite end structures capable of satisfying industry criteria will be discussed.