The first carbon fiber composite material subway train in Changchun

CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles has developed the first subway train in the world with carbon fiber composite materials, while also gaining all of its intellectual property rights. Compared to metal train, the weight of the new train is 35 percent lighter, while having significantly improved carrying capacity and energy consumption capability.

The train uses thin walled cylindric bearing structure. The train is 19,000 mm long, 2,800 mm wide, with the height of 3,478 mm from the rail surface.

The new subway train with carbon fiber composite [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

Carbon fiber composite materials train eliminates the dimensional deviation and shape deviation which due to metal welding improves the dimensional accuracy and appearance quality. Also, the train has tested more than 10 different material performances, and more than 6,000 components, typical elements and assembly parts.

Because of the antifatigue, acid and alkali corrosion and ultraviolet radiation and aging of the composite material, the service life of the new subway train has been extended to 30 years. The train is also said to be safer, more reliable and more economical.

The interior of the new subway train [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

The research and design of the new subway train was all independently done by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, and it uses Chinese composite materials with all required property rights.