Development of a Methodology for the Evaluation of Motion Sickness Incidence in Railways

The present paper illustrates an evaluation method developed by the authors to quantify the index of motion sickness incidence (MSI) in railways motion conditions. This index is formerly defined in literature to quantify diseases coming from low frequency motions (kinetosis). The proposed method, suggested as alternative to the only one existing in reference norm, involves P_CT index, well known in railways context, and weighting curves for accelerometric signals, which are also specified in railways regulations. The approach of the method, consistent with the theoretical model, developed by the authors themselves in previous works, allows to obtain MSI index versus time and/or track progressive distance. The model is validated through comparison with experimental data available in literature and with measures recorded and obtained on regular trains during tests performed in Slovenia (EU).