A REVIEW OF THERMAL DAMAGE IN RAILROAD WHEELS

The purpose of this paper is to provide a common starting point for further discussions on the subject of thermal damage in railroad wheels. The intent is to construct a simple explanation of a complex subject. Wheel design would be fairly straightforward if the wheel functioned only as a load bearing member, or only as an outlet for heat from braking. Because it serves both purposes, design problems compound. Balanced braking among all cars in the train is critical. A locomotive dynamic brake offers a huge outlet for braking heat. The paper discusses the contributions of better wheels, properly aligned brake rigging, and better brake shoes.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This report was presented at the Air Brake Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, September 15, 1970.
• Corporate Authors:

  Griffin Wheel Company

  445 North Sacramento Boulevard
  Chicago, IL  United States  60612
• Authors:
  • Berg, N A
  • Kucera, W J
• Publication Date: 1970-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 18 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brakes; Dynamic braking; Thermal stresses; Unit trains; Wheels
• Old TRIS Terms: Balanced braking; Empty-load brakes; Wheel thermal stresses
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00041616
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 15 1974 12:00AM