Transition curves that connect two of these structures traditionally have an Euler (“OY-ler”) spiral geometry. For 10 points each:
[10m] Name these structures that are most often built with a flat-footed, or Vignoles (“vin-yoles”), profile whose cross section is akin to an I-beam.
ANSWER: railroad tracks [or railway tracks or train tracks; or rails; accept permanent ways or perways]
[10h] The U.S. standard formula for minimum transition curve length sets spiral length equal to 1.63, times this quantity’s “deficiency,” times speed. Superelevation and this quantity both refer to the difference in height between the inner and outer rail along a curve.
ANSWER: cant [accept cant deficiency]
[10e] The lateral change in this quantity is a proposed criterion for evaluating track transition curves. For objects going around a curve, this quantity equals velocity squared over the radius of curvature.
ANSWER: acceleration [accept centripetal acceleration; accept lateral change of acceleration; prompt on a]
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