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Cutting Edge Technologies (1984) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

Technological Opportunities and the Railroad Industry
Pages 181-186

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 181...
... A completely rational society that made all economic decisions based on benefit costs would have provided a rather different set of institutions from those we have, which are a mixed set of public and private institutions. Public policy does indeed affect these; it provides major support to some elements of the transportation system and less to others.
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From page 182...
... Recent legislation in support of 48-foot trailers that are 102 inches wide and authorization for use of two trailers pulled by a single tractor establish a basis for significant cost reduction in highway transportation. The creation in South Africa of a very viable coal-exporting industry, one pending in China, one in Australia, and one in Poland are having profound effects on how the U.S.
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From page 183...
... At present about 2 million freight cars operate with about 26,000 locomotives over about 285,000 miles of track structure in the United States. Two decades ago the procedures for keeping track of cars were unsatisfactory.
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From page 184...
... As lighter and more highly stressed components are used, advanced structural design concepts will be employed that demand compatible NDI techniques. Alternative energy conversion processes could make it feasible to use coal instead of liquid fuels, but none is immediately available to replace the diesel locomotive.
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From page 185...
... The railroad industry, once extremely successful and now again extremely competitive with other modes, is working very hard to remain a dynamic force in the future of the economy. New technologies are contributing to that goal.
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Key Terms

  • track structure
  • reduce energy
  • energy conversion
  • track structures
  • dynamic interaction

  • energy requirements
  • commodities produced
  • extremely mindful
  • using powered
  • cars operate

  • petroleum exporting
  • enormous potential
  • effective training
  • design concepts
  • oil industry

  • eight wheels
  • labor force
  • engineer operating
  • benefit costs
  • relevant train

  • unsatisfactory dynamic
  • mature transportation
  • improved efficiency
  • million freight
  • using airings

  • train operations
  • engine components
  • economic decisions
  • compatible ndi
  • trains carrying


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