REPORT ON PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD M. OF W. TEST NO. 591, DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC FLOW IN RAIL HEAD

On the high rail of curves there is a flow of metal at the top gauge corner of the rail toward the gauge side. This flow of metal extends to a depth of 1/4 in. to 3/8 in. below the rail surface. The flow of metal toward the gate side extends back to the edge of the center arc and beyond, probably to the center of the rail head. The magnitude of deformation is positive evidence of shear stresses well beyond the yield point of the steel. This condition was demonstrated on the high rail of a 4-deg curve under moderately heavy freight traffic after 75,000,000 gross tons. This was at a location of moderate shelling on previous rail. Only light flaking had developed in the test rail at the time of removal.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Publication Date: 1958-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 962-975
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 59
  • Issue Number: 542
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Curved track; Defects; Freight trains; Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Shear properties; Stresses; Structural design; Superelevation; Technology; Tonnage
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track geometry
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Flaking; Flaking (Rails)
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Highways; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040583
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM