by Jeff Tuzik The benefits of friction management are well known and often touted. But one benefit in particular—fuel savings—receives far less attention than the others. But as railroads race to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets and ultimately net-zero goals that they have set for themselves, fuel savings have become …
By Jeff Tuzik Friction modifiers—whether gage-face lubricants (greases) or top-of-rail (TOR) friction modifiers (FM)—are a well-established, and indeed, a common part of the wheel/rail optimization toolkit. In the railroader’s mind, these technologies tend to be associated with wayside application equipment and installations, but vehicle-mounted wheel-flange lubricators and wheel-tread friction modifiers …
Friction management (FM) in railroads balances necessary traction and braking against wear and noise caused by steel-on-steel friction. Effective FM requires continuous management, as shown by studies illustrating significant benefits, including fuel savings and reduced rail wear. Challenges include maintenance logistics and aging equipment, necessitating trained personnel for optimal performance.
Friction management is a crucial aspect of rail transit, improving wheel/rail interactions by reducing wear, noise, and safety risks. Effective implementation involves tailored strategies based on specific issues. Successful transit agencies employ proper asset management, ensuring consistent results and a strong return on investment through maintenance and optimized practices.
by Jeff Tuzik Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) affects railroads and transit systems globally. The effects of RCF damage range from poor ride quality and excessive noise, to shelling and spalling so deep and widespread that rail sections must be replaced. Over time, the railroad and transit industries have developed tools …
New all-season TOR and GF FM products show performance and efficiency benefits over traditional seasonal variants.
by Jeff Tuzik Transit systems around the world, despite their differences, all contend with the same issues to some degree. Issues like vehicle- and ground-borne vibrations, excess noise, and timetable delays often rise in priority as they generate increasing numbers of complaints. These issues are often symptoms that can be …
A pair of speakers from different continents discuss the benefits of autonomous track geometry collection and the advantages of monitoring revenue-service vehicles’ response to track conditions in this first installment of topics covered at this year’s annual Wheel/Rail Interaction Conference in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. By Bob Tuzik Brad Kerchof wasted …
By Jeff Tuzik Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) is an issue every railroad, and many transit systems, around the world must contend with. Despite its ubiquity, RCF is not perfectly understood. There are many researchers, railroad operators and suppliers, experts in their field, working to understand and eliminate RCF and its attendant …
By Jeff Tuzik For over 20 years, the Wheel/Rail Interaction conferences have brought together railway industry professionals, researchers and suppliers to share their expertise in the field of wheel/rail interaction. Until recently, the conferences have been held only in the United States and have drawn on North American experiences. In …