Multiple choice

Most significant which imposes limitations in raising the high speeds is

  1. adhesion of wheels

  2. resistance due to oscillations

  3. flange resistance

  4. air or wind resistance
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Wheel-rail adhesion is the most significant limiting factor for high-speed trains. Without sufficient friction between steel wheels and steel rails, locomotives cannot transmit tractive effort effectively. This friction coefficient is typically only 0.15-0.35 on dry rail and drops further with moisture or contamination, making it the fundamental constraint on acceleration and speed.

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