TMH has manufactured and tested structural components for the cars of a future hydrogen-powered train

The Tver Railcar Building Plant (TVZ, part of TMH) has manufactured and shipped to the Demikhovo Machine-Building Plant (DMZ, also part of TMH) four carbodies for leading cars (models 62-4585 and 62-4586) and two sets of elements for the booster section (model 62-4587) of the innovative hydrogen train, model 62-4584, for further assembly.

The structural integrity of the carbodies was verified by specialists from the Tver Institute of Railcar Engineering, which is also part of the TMH Group. Under laboratory conditions, the carbody of the leading car model 62-4585 was subjected to longitudinal loads, including compressive forces applied along the axes of the couplers. Vertical loads corresponding to the tare weight of the carbody—simulating the mass of an equipped carbody—as well as gross loads representing the equipped carbody with the maximum design passenger load, were also simulated.

Separate tests were carried out for lifting the carbody by the couplers and by jacks, simulating maintenance and repair scenarios.

“In addition to load simulation, our task is to subsequently analyze the results obtained for each examined zone using strain gauge measurements,” said Alexander Smirnov, Lead Engineer at the Tver Institute of Railcar Engineering. “Based on visual inspections and analysis of detected micro-deformations, we assess the structural strength of the carbody.”

The testing program for the future hydrogen train’s carbody structures was particularly extensive. Approximately 250 strain gauges were installed on the carbody to monitor stresses—more than three times the standard number of measurement points. Special attention was paid to the transition areas between the cantilever sections and the central part of the car, which are subject to the highest loads.

Following the completion of all tests, the Tver Institute of Railcar Engineering issued a positive conclusion. The leading carbody for the hydrogen train fully complies with regulatory standards and demonstrated excellent performance, marking an important milestone in confirming the reliability of the future train’s load-bearing structure.

At present, similar laboratory tests are underway at the Tver Institute of Railcar Engineering on the carbody of the intermediate car of the hydrogen train (model 62-4588).