A simple method to determine train running resistance from full-scale measurements

This article proposes a simple method to determine train running resistance. The resistance is determined by calculating the change in kinetic and potential energy of a coasting train between successive measurement positions. The strength of this method is that the measuring equipment needed is kept at a minimum and it is not limited to a track having a constant grade, thus making this method suitable, in particular, for long freight trains running in mountain areas. An error analysis is performed for this method and the probable error sources are discussed.