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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/214735
- Title
- New rail materials and coatings
- Author(s)
- Vasic, G.; Franklin, F. J.; Kapoor, A.
- Abstract
- Despite extensive research into adhesion and contaminant films, low adhesion problems continue to plague the modern railway, particularly in autumn when leaves on line and damp conditions combine to form a very low adhesion contaminant film on the rail head which cannot be removed easily. Whether accelerating, braking or simply maintaining the desired speed, good adhesion between rail and wheel is essential. Without good adhesion the braking distances are very long and for safety reasons trains need to reduce speed. Sudden drops in adhesion can cause havoc with time-tables, and can lead to accidents - the number of signals passed a danger is significantly higher in autumn. In addition to low-adhesion problems, contaminants (sometimes environmental, sometimes as a deliberate adhesion-control) can cause problems with track circuitry and the failure of train detection systems can also lead to accidents. This report covers the causes of low adhesion and the methods used to control the problem, and describes measurements which have been carried out in the field or in the laboratory. A plan for new laboratory work examining contaminant films, particularly leaf films, studying new rail materials or coating which provide good adhesion properties, and developing mechanisms for preventing film formation or removing existing films is outlined. If funded, the effects of low-adhesion contaminant films on wear and rolling contact fatigue will be carried out in combination with a parallel project which is modelling wear and crack initiation.
- Publication type
- Report
- Source
- RRUK, report A2/1 (Jul 2003)
- Publication year
- 2003
- Keyword(s)
- Adhesion contaminant film; Braking distances; Crack initiation; Contaminants; Low adhesion; Low-adhesion contaminant films; Rolling contact fatigue; Safety; Track circuitry; Train detection systems
- Publisher
- Rail Research UK
- Publisher URL
- http://portal.railresearch.org.uk/RRUK/
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2003.
