Analysis of primary impact forces in the train crash demonstration

The Train Crash Demonstration was preceded by extensive analytical work directed at estimating the forces, effects, and resulting motions of the primary impact. The mathematical modelling and analyses are described, with an earlier study of a High Speed Train impact, and subsequent comparisons between the predictive estimates and the results of the Demonstration. The impact effects expected and found are given in detail, with conclusions on the success of the estimating work and the relative severity of the IAEA 9m drop test compared with the Train Crash. (author)