Top of rail friction control for heavy haul: status and opportunities

Top of rail (TOR) friction control is nowadays widely implemented in multiple heavy haul, mixed traffic and transit environments all over the world. A friction modifier (FM) consisting of a water-based suspension of dry solid materials with no liquid oil or lubricant content is applied (through wayside or on-board systems) to the TOR to provide an intermediate coefficient of friction (0.3-0.4) between wheel and rail. This paper will highlight the general benefits provided by this intermediate COF such as reduced lateral forces, improved wear and RCF behaviour of rail and wheel, as well as the potential for fuel savings. The technical and economic aspects of implementing TOR friction control on a larger scale with emphasis on the Australian heavy haul environment will also be discussed. Lastly strategies for implementing a sustainable and cost effective wheel-rail interface management program to provide the maximum benefit to the railway and vehicle operators will be highlighted.

• Record URL:
  http://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/Detail.aspx?ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=NDA5OQ==&sID=MzY=&ph=VHJ1ZQ==&qcf=&bckToL=VHJ1ZQ==
• Authors:
  • Stock R
  • Oldknow K
  • Mitchell D
  • VanderMarel J
• Conference:
  • AusRAIL PLUS 2015, Doing it Smarter. People, Power, Performance, 24-26 November 2015, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Publication Date: 2015

Media Info

• Pagination: 8p. ; PDF
• Monograph Title: AusRAIL PLUS 2015, doing it smarter. People, power, performance, 24-26 November 2015, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Friction; Railroad trains; Wheels
• ATRI Terms: Friction; Train; Wheel
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01601977
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 17 2016 9:47AM