Proposed New Joint Bar Profile for Heavy-axle-load Environment
A joint bar profile has been developed to improve the performance of rail joints, especially for continuous welded rail (CWR). This article discusses some of the performance improvements expected that include: (1) large contact with the rail web to reduce contract stresses and metal flow; (2) thicker joint bar web, which provides better support at bolt holes that will reduce bolt-hole cracking; (3) higher bolt torque that will reduce rail bar slippage; and (4) high relief for worn wheels to eliminate wheel flange up contract with the joint bar. The currently used joint bar cross section was designed to minimize contact with the rail, which allowed longitudinal movement of the rail relative to the bars and this type of movement is not desirable for CWR. Decreases in rail temperature in CWR may significantly increase the rail-end gap at a joint. The goals of the new design are to increase the contact area of the standard joint bar and to provide more clearance for worn wheels. In order to compare the performance of the joint bar designs, a finite element analysis was conducted and the results showed that loading was identical for both the new and standard joint bars. The article discusses how more comparison testing of the new joint bar profile is planned and the prototype bars are being manufactured and tested side-by-side with the standard joint bars.
- Record URL:
-
Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1763403
-
Authors:
- Akhtar, Muhammad N
- Sammon, Devin C
- Davis, David D
- Publication Date: 2013-9
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Features: Figures; Photos;
- Pagination: pp 16,18,20
-
Serial:
- Railway Track and Structures
- Volume: 109
- Issue Number: 9
- Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
- ISSN: 0033-9016
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Axle loads; Continuous welded rail; Design; Finite element method; Flanges; Rail joints; Rolling contact
- Subject Areas: Design; Railroads; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01498971
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Nov 21 2013 9:14AM