by Jeff Tuzik On passenger rail systems, disruption is never good. With tight headways and packed cars, a small disruption of service doesn’t stay small for long. Major disruptions, such as those that require taking a track out of service for repair, are worse yet. On São Paulo’s Metropolitan Train …
In 2022, Wiener Linien faced severe wheel wear issues on line U6 after a rail renewal project. The complex problem stemmed from poor wheel/rail dynamics, necessitating collaborative efforts for analysis and remediation. New wheel and rail profiles, designed to optimize contact conditions, are expected to significantly reduce wear and damage.
Stuart Grassie discusses rail corrugation, a prevalent issue in rail systems, highlighting advancements in understanding its causes and mitigation strategies over 45 years. Key mechanisms include P2 resonance, trackform-specific resonance, pinned-pinned resonance, and rutting. Successful corrugation management was achieved on Kuala Lumpur’s Kajang Line, marking a significant milestone.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has successfully implemented a rail grinding program to address surface defects like corrugation and rolling contact fatigue. Operating 390 km of track, DMRC’s corrective and preventive measures have improved rail conditions significantly since 2009, leading to reduced wear rates and enhanced wheel/rail dynamics.
By Jeff Tuzik See Part 1 A thorough understanding of the forces contributing to wheel/rail interaction requires a grasp of both theoretical concepts and operational practices. Speakers at the 2015 Wheel Rail Interaction Conference, European Union (WRI EU) addressed both, presenting findings from the lab and operating environment of vehicles …
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 …