Amtrak is planning to provide high-speed passenger train service at
speeds significantly higher than their current top speed of 125 mph, and
with these higher speeds, there are concerns with safety from the
aerodynamic effects created by a passing train. Trains operating at high
speeds will pass other trains on adjacent tracks, passengers on station
platforms, and other equipment and workers along the wayside. The
aerodynamic effects created by a passing train include both pressure and
induced airflow which can be a potential hazard to equipment and people
in proximity to the passing train. This report assesses the potential
hazards created from the aerodynamic effects of passing high-speed
trains at speeds of 150 mph. It will specifically address the hazards to
window glazing on passenger trains and to people on station platforms. A
literature review was conducted and many of the data obtained served as
a basis for this study.