INVESTIGATION INTO CAUSES OF RAIL CORRUGATIONS

Heavy traffic density and high-capacity cars increased wear and abrasion or curves which CP Rail countered with lubricators that cut flange abrasion but produced rail corrugation with a wavelength of 8 to 28 inches on the low rail. Plastic flow or rail head metal combined with surface fatigue are predominately responsible for rail corrugation. Recommendations for overcoming the problem includes improved wheel rail contact geometry through elimination of wide gauge, elimination of false flanges on wheels, reduction of railhead curvature and modification of the AAR wheel profile; cutting of lateral frictional force by use of self-steering trucks; changes in rail metallurgy to increase resistance to surface fatigue and plastic flow, reduction of dynamic loadings and improved flange lubrication techniques.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Authors:
  • Kalousek, J
  • Klein, Robert
• Publication Date: 1976-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 429-48
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 77
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamic loads; Dynamics; Mechanical fatigue; Pavement corrugations; Rail steel; Railroad rails; Train track dynamics; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rail corrugation; Wheel profiles
• Old TRIS Terms: Rail geometry; Rail metallurgy
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131315
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: AREA Bulletin
• Report/Paper Numbers: Bulletin
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1976 12:00AM