Evaluation of a railway coach crashworthiness for the purpose of certification

Railway vehicle structures must comply with strict safety regulations to ensure integrity and passive safety. A key requirement is a crashworthiness analysis under EN 15227, as collisions pose significant risks to passengers. This study evaluates the structural behaviour of a railway coach in head-on collisions, following EN 15227 criteria. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations with a dynamic explicit model were performed, enabling virtual testing that reduces development time and costs while maintaining high standards. The analysis identifies vulnerable areas in current structures, aiming to enhance passenger safety and regulatory compliance. A modified structure was also studied, and both designs were compared in terms of survival space and structural deceleration. The findings provide insights into how structural changes influence crashworthiness performance.