How a train goes around a corner

Of course trains can go around a corner! we will find out how in a bit. Previously I posted a video about car differentials. Why do we need a car differential? to allow the car to go around a corner i.e. during a turn let the outer wheel rotate more than the inside wheel. 

BUT how about trains? how do they go around a corner? The answer is NOT a differential, ever look closely at a train axle? Its a solid shaft going through the two wheels. There is no differential in between like your car. The simple yet not so intuitive secret is the slightly coned shaped wheels.Watch the Richard Feynman interview and you will know why coned shaped wheels work.

If we love cars how come we didn't know this?

Majority of students in my 3rd year mechanical engineering class asked this question, we all started doubting our love for cars. Prof. Cleghorn showed this video in class and this was the best tutorial a class had ever seen. If you drive a car or have a slightest hint of love for it you owe it to yourself to watch this video

The Daily Engineer

Did you learn how to ride a bike and don't know how you did it? I asked this question a few years ago. Now as a growing engineer I see answers to this and many other questions. 

In The Daily Engineer, I will post interesting article on not just how things works but also why they work. Through out, you will learn some physics and general knowledge of machines. 


Many of us fail to understand that nature drives everything, even machines. To understand nature, her laws and her acts of wonder is the satisfaction we all sometimes seek and indeed “the noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding”, Leonardo da Vinci. So if you are interested in getting to know about my hunt for answers and perhaps sharing yours, stay tuned!