1. What is Equilibrium Cant for Narrow Gauge?

Definition: Equilibrium cant for narrow gauge is the difference between the height of the outer rail and the inner rail on a curve in case of narrow gauge track.

Purpose: It helps ensure safe and comfortable train operation on curved tracks by counteracting the centrifugal force.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( eng \) — Equilibrium cant (meters)
• \( V \) — Speed of vehicle on track (km/h)
• \( R \) — Radius of curve (meters)

Explanation: The formula calculates the ideal cant needed to balance the centrifugal force with the gravitational force on a curved track.

3. Importance of Equilibrium Cant Calculation

Details: Proper cant calculation ensures passenger comfort, reduces wear on tracks and wheels, and maintains safety at designed speeds.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vehicle speed in km/h, curve radius in meters, and tolerance percentage (default ±5%). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the formula different for narrow gauge?
A: The 0.762 factor accounts for the specific characteristics and standards of narrow gauge railways.

Q2: What's a typical tolerance percentage?
A: ±5% is common, but this may vary based on specific railway standards and safety requirements.

Q3: How does speed affect the equilibrium cant?
A: Cant increases with the square of the speed - doubling speed requires four times the cant.

Q4: What happens if the actual cant differs from equilibrium?
A: Too little cant causes discomfort, while too much cant can lead to derailment risks for slow trains.

Q5: How is this different from broad gauge calculations?
A: Broad gauge uses different constants in the formula to account for different track characteristics.

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