Lecture - 8

Simplified Speed/Time Curve

For the purpose of comparative performance for a given service, the actual speed/time curve is
replaced by a simplified speed/time curve which does not involve the knowledge of motor
characteristics. Such a curve has simple geometric shape so that simple mathematics can be used to
find the relation between acceleration, retardation, average speed and distance etc. The simple curve
would be fairly accurate provided it (i) retains the same acceleration and retardation and (ii) has the
same area as the actual speed/time curve. The simplified speed/time curve can have either of the two
shapes:
(i) trapezoidal shape OA1B1C of Fig. 43.10 where speed-curve running and coasting periods of the
actual speed/time curve have been replaced by a constant speed period.
(ii) Quadrilateral shape OA2B2C where the same two periods are replaced by the extensions of initial
constant acceleration and coasting periods. It is found that trapezoidal diagram OA1B1C gives
simpler relationships between the principal quantities involved in train movement and also gives
closer approximation of actual energy consumed during main-line service on level track. On the other
hand, quadrilateral diagram approximates more closely to the actual conditions in city and suburban
services.

Speed time curve calculation

Solved Sums

Example 7. 2. Find the schedule speed of an electric train for a run of 1.5 km if the ratio of its
maximum to average speed is 1.25. It has a braking retardation of 3.6 km/h/s, acceleration of 1.8
km/h/s and stop time of 21 second. Assume trapezoidal speed/time curve.

Example 7.3. A train runs between two stations 1.6 km apart at an average speed of 36 km/h. If
the maximum speed is to be limited to 72 km/h, acceleration to 2.7 km/h/s, coasting retardation
to 0.18 km/h/s and braking retardation to 3.2 km/h/s, compute the duration of acceleration,
coasting and braking periods. Assume a simplified quadrilateral speed/time curve.

Solution: Given, Distance to be covered by the train (D) = 1.6 km = 1600 m

 ×
Average speed (Va)= 36 km/hr = = 10 m/sec
×
Maximum Speed (V1) = 72 km/hr = = 20 m/sec
. ×
Acceleration (𝛼) = 2.7 km/hr/s = = 0.75 m/sec2
. ×
Coasting retardation (𝛽 c) = 0.18 km/hr/s = = 0.05 m/sec2
. ×
Braking Retardation (𝛽) = 3.2 km/hr/s = = 0.89 m/sec2
With reference to the following figure,

Duration of acceleration (t1) = V1/ 𝛼 = 20/0.75 = 26.67 secs (Ans)

Actual time of run (t) = D/Va = 1600/10 = 160 secs
Let the speed at the end of coasting period be V2. Then the duration of coasting is given by,
t2 = = . sec
Braking period (t3) = V2/ 𝛽 = V2/0.89 sec
Now, t = t1 + t2 + t3
20 − 𝑉 𝑉
> 160 = 26.67 + +
0.05 0.89
Solving for V2 we get,
V2 = 14.12 m/s
.
Therefore, Coasting period (t2) = .
= 𝟏𝟏𝟕. 𝟔 sec (Ans)
And Braking period (t3) = 14.12/ 0.89 = 15.86 sec (Ans)