Energy Management

Basic rule for good energy absorption management is to try to keep forces and deceleration to a minimum. That is not always easy. If movement is allowed to occur then energy must be absorbed. Conversely, if energy is to be absorbed then movement must be allowed and high energy will be absorbed if the efficiency of the absorbing device is high.

The criteria for good energy management of passenger train operation may be summarized as follows:

- The effect of a collision on a train is dependent upon the behavior of the energy absorbers built into the couplers.

- Whatever the impact conditions, the couplers should not bottom out, otherwise high deceleration will occur.

- Energy should be absorbed along the train and impact forces generated at vehicle interfaces must be controlled, as these represent deceleration/acceleration at these positions.