Laboratory simulation of low-adhesion leaf film on rail steel

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/42363

Title: Laboratory simulation of low-adhesion leaf film on rail steel
Author(s): Vasic, Gordana; Franklin, Francis J.; Kapoor, Ajay; Lucanin, Vojkan
Abstract: Low-adhesion (i.e., low-friction) problems continue to plague the modern railway, particularly in autumn when leaves on the line and damp conditions combine to form a low-adhesion contaminant film on the railhead. Sudden drops in adhesion can cause havoc with timetables, and can lead to accidents, electrical insulation by contaminants can cause problems with track circuitry. Using laboratory twin-disk testing, a number of techniques for reproducing the leaf-film have been tried, and the adhesion behaviour of the resultant contaminant films is investigated. Misty conditions are found to be the best for producing low-adhesion leaf films.
Publication type: Journal article
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences
Source: International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, Vol. 2, no. 1-2 (2008), pp. 84-97
Publication year: 2008
Keyword(s): Accidents; Adhesion; Contaminant films; Electrical insulation; (I ,J) conditions; Impurities; Iron; Laboratory simulations; Lead; Leaf contamination; Low adhesion; Low friction; Rail steels; Railroad accidents; Rails; Twin-disk tests; Wheel-rail contact
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
ISSN: 1749-785X
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJSURFSE.2008.018970
Peer reviewed