Abstract: A fish model to replace the use of live fish in hydroelectric studies is provided. The fish model is cast from ballistic gel to include the density, dimensions, and weight distribution of a selected species of living fish. The fish model is formed by additively manufacturing a mold based on a three-dimensional scan of an actual fish. The mold is then used to mass produce fish models for force measurement testing at various blade speeds, thickness, and impact angles. Each fish model includes a surrogate skin and an internal sensor for strike force measurements. Optional additional sensors include strain gauges, temperature probes, pressure probes, and load sensors, for example.

Abstract: A bi-level aluminum vehicle carrier railcar (10) includes an integrated aluminum roofing structure (30), aluminum side panels (18, 20), and aluminum decking structure (36, 50) attached to a steel underframe. The decking structure (36, 50) is supported on side stakes (18) of the side panels (18, 20) with the decking structure (36, 50) including overlapping extruded aluminum decking plates with (38, 52) anti-skid features. The anti-skid features include a media blasted finish to a portion of the surface of the decking and extruded ribs (64) in a portion of the decking. The roofing structure (30) includes overlapping, arched corrugated aluminum panels (30), wherein the roof panels (30) remain uncoated.

Abstract: A bi-level aluminum vehicle carrier railcar (10) includes an integrated aluminum roofing structure (30), aluminum side panels (18, 20), and aluminum decking structure (36, 50) attached to a steel underframe. The decking structure (36, 50) is supported on side stakes (18) of the side panels (18, 20) with the decking structure (36, 50) including overlapping extruded aluminum decking plates with (38, 52) anti-skid features. The anti-skid features include a media blasted finish to a portion of the surface of the decking and extruded ribs (64) in a portion of the decking. The roofing structure (30) includes overlapping, arched corrugated aluminum panels (30), wherein the roof panels (30) remain uncoated.