Theoretical Length of Tongue Rail Calculator

Length of Tongue Rail Formula:

\[ L_t = \frac{d}{\sin(\alpha)} \]

Theoretical Length (m):

Acceptable Range (m):

1. What is Theoretical Length of Tongue Rail?

Definition: This calculator determines the theoretical length of tongue rail based on heel divergence and switch angle, with optional tolerance percentage.

Purpose: It helps railway engineers and track designers calculate the proper tongue rail length for railway switches.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ L_t = \frac{d}{\sin(\alpha)} \]

Where:

\( L_t \) — Length of Tongue Rail (meters)
\( d \) — Heel Divergence (meters)
\( \alpha \) — Switch Angle (radians)

Explanation: The heel divergence is divided by the sine of the switch angle to calculate the theoretical tongue rail length.

3. Importance of Tongue Rail Length Calculation

Details: Proper tongue rail length ensures smooth train movement through switches, reduces wear on components, and maintains track geometry.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heel divergence in meters, switch angle in radians, and tolerance percentage (default ±5%). All values must be > 0 except tolerance which can be 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is heel divergence?
A: Heel divergence is the distance between the running faces of stock rail and gauge face of the tongue rail at the heel of switch.

Q2: Why use radians for angle measurement?
A: Radians are the standard angular measurement in trigonometric functions for precise calculations.

Q3: What does the tolerance percentage mean?
A: The tolerance percentage (default ±5%) calculates the acceptable range around the theoretical length.

Q4: How do I convert degrees to radians?
A: Multiply degrees by π/180 (approximately 0.0174533) to get radians.

Q5: What factors affect actual tongue rail length?
A: Material properties, temperature variations, and specific switch design requirements may affect final length.