The Bomb-proof Train Carriages

The research team at the Newcastle University's School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering find material for railway carriages to be resistant to bomb blasts. The invention can be applied in the event of an act of terrorism could avoid casualties.

Conor O'Neill, from Newcastle University's School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, is leading the EU-funded project which aims to make sure that if any such atrocities are to occur in the future, their impact is minimised.

The research has involved looking at the evidence from previous attacks and carrying out controlled explosions on a decommissioned Tube carriage. High speed cameras were used to slow down the blast, allowing its impact on the vehicle's structure and interior to be analysed in detail.

Researchers used high-speed cameras to film a controlled explosion in a prototype rail carriage. (Picture from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)

A similar test was later carried out on a prototype carriage specially built to reduce the devastating damage caused by a bomb detonating inside it. Their findings have pointed to a number of measures which they believe rail companies could introduce immediately to reduce the damage caused by bomb blasts and flying debris.

The research has allowed experts to analyse the explosions and how they damage train carriages in detail. (Picture from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)

Part of the aim of the research is to reduce casualties caused by debris - but not just in the initial blast. Following the inquests into the deaths of the London 7/7 bombings, it was revealed that medical emergency teams were hindered by debris strewn across train carriages. And, had the Tube bombers detonated their explosives while the trains were at the platform, rather than while travelling through tunnels, the death toll would have been much higher, as debris flew outwards like shrapnel.

The pioneering research will allow experts to advise rail companies how to better protect their passengers. (Picture from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)

It is this that prompted research into energy-absorbing materials being fitted, as well as plastic coating for windows, preventing metal or glass debris from shattering outwards. Tethering down heavy components such as ceiling panels would also reduce the amount of obstacles between rescue teams and the wounded.

Project leader Conor O'Neil believes tethering panels such as these could prevent dangerous shrapnel from injuring those further from a blast. (Picture from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/)

Conor O'Neill said, "Preventing flying objects is the key. Tethering ceiling panels reduced the risk of fatalities and injury from flying shrapnel and also meant the gangways were kept relatively clear of debris, allowing emergency staff quick access to the injured. The window coating we developed was also incredibly effective. Without it the windows are blown outwards - putting anyone outside, such as those standing on a platform, at risk from flying glass. With the plastic coating you see a clear rippling effect as the blast moves through the train but every window remains intact apart from the safety windows which are designed to be easily knocked out."

Application is made to the cars including the plastic coating on the edge of the window, the frame material is made of energy absorbing material, while the parts are heavy and the roof firmly attached. Through the application of new technologies, while a bomb blast occurs, the car will not be destroyed completely. Only the parts of the door are designed easy to destroy.

This research that has been going on for three years, which cost 4 million euros (or approx Rp. 50 billion). Later, the whole matter would be paired to train carriage now operating. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC | DAILYMAIL | GI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 28022013]
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