TREAD BRAKING VERSUS THE WHEEL

Many railroads, when initiating 100-ton car unit train operation, have experienced wheel problems. The bulk of these problems have centered around the tread of the wheel, and have taken the form of what has been described over the years as 'shelling'. The purpose of this paper is to determine if there are any links between 'shelling' and tread braking. While it has been shown that the detrimental effect can be catastrophic, the converse has also been shown that identical cars operate with no problems. The report makes several recommendations, including: (1) Through strong operating rules, use of locomotive dynamic brakes should be required to control or decrease the speed of the train. (2) Empty-load brake equipment should be used on the cars.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This report was presented at the Air Brake Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illnois, September 18, 1972.
• Corporate Authors:

  Griffin Wheel Company

  445 North Sacramento Boulevard
  Chicago, IL  United States  60612
• Authors:
  • Berg, N A
  • Alber, R H
• Publication Date: 1972

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 20 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Thermal stresses; Tire treads; Wheels
• Old TRIS Terms: Tread braking; Wheel shelling; Wheel thermal stresses; Wheel tread damage
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00041618
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 15 1974 12:00AM