PLASMA TREATMENT OF RAILWAY RAILS TO IMPROVE TRACTION

Plasma torch treatments of track rails to improve locomotive wheel traction were investigated as a potential substitute for rail sanding. Rolling friction tests were conducted under simulated rail-wheel load conditions at about 200,000 psi contact stress. Although traction was improved significantly in laboratory tests, total power required to significantly improve the coefficient of friction for a diesel electric operation at low speeds appears excessive. Power required at 80 mph is prohibitive. Moreover, safety, maintenance, and mechanical aspects require a considerable amount of further development before such an application can be considered possible on American railroads.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  Two Park Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5990
• Authors:
  • Gifford, F E
  • Yoshino, R T
• Publication Date: 1970-8

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 6 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adhesion; Plasma arc cutting; Train track dynamics
• Old TRIS Terms: Plasma torch
• Subject Areas: Construction; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00053998
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Report/Paper Numbers: 70-WA/RR-1
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 3 1974 12:00AM