Train derailment modeling

Recently approved standards for tanks cars in high hazard flammable trains (HHFTs), i.e., the TC-117 series, offer improved resistance to tank puncture under derailment conditions. Transport Canada (TC) has a requirement to quantify the expected improvements (i.e., reductions in risk or probability of puncture) that are afforded by TC-117J and TC-117R variants, especially under cold weather conditions. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Program at TC has a requirement for a study into and report on the differences in puncture resistance of TC-117J and TC-117R tank cars in derailment conditions using digital modelling. The intent of this effort is to estimate the risk reduction offered by TC-117 designs under a variety of derailment conditions.