A computer simulation of a derailment accident: Part I - model basis

Abstract A prototype computer program has been developed which is capable of simulating some of the consequences of a train derailment accident. The program is made up from a number of models which account for train derailment mechanics, flammable liquid spills, fire effects on remote targets, fire impingement on tank cars carrying dangerous commodities, explosion blast over-pressure and thermal radiation, and heavy plume and puff dispersion. Most of these sub-models have previously been developed and are available in the open literature. The overall program consists of a pre-processor for inputting the surroundings data and train consist data, a simulation module containing the various models and a post-processor which presents the results of the simulation in graphical form. The present paper briefly describes the overall organization of the program and the technical basis of the simulation models.