Three Types Of Steel Rail Abrasion
The abrasion of steel rails can be classified into three main types: vertical abrasion, side abrasion, and wave abrasion. The following are the overview of each type.
Vertical Abrasion: This type of abrasion occurs on the top surface of the rail and is influenced by factors such as axle weight, gross vehicle weight, and track geometry. Inappropriate track geometry design can accelerate vertical abrasion. Adjusting the geometric dimensions of the rail track can help mitigate this type of abrasion.
Side Abrasion: Side abrasion primarily affects the outer steel rail on small radius curves and is a common issue in curve abrasion. The movement and sliding of wheels along the rail surface contribute to side abrasion, especially in tight curves where two-point contact between the wheel and rail occurs. Using wear-resistant steel rails can help reduce side abrasion in such cases.
Wave Abrasion: Wave abrasion refers to uneven wavy abrasion patterns on the surface of steel rails. This type of abrasion can affect rail movement, increase wheel forces, accelerate vehicle and rail component damage, and raise maintenance and repair costs. Various factors, including rail material, route conditions, and types of vehicles, can contribute to wave abrasion. Grinding the rails is an effective method to address wave abrasion, smoothing out uneven surfaces. Continuous welding of rails can also help alleviate abrasion and improve rail smoothness.