A NEW FATIGUE DEFECT IN RAILS

The shelling defect has been most commonly encountered in the 131-lb standard flat-bottom section, though it has been reported in some degree in all sections from 100 lb. upwards. The first manifestation of the trouble is the appearance, on the running surface of the rail near the running edge of dark spots, which indicate the presence of horizontal planes of separation of the steel within the rail-head; these may occur at a number of different levels in the same rail. The shelling is the result of wheel action on the rail causing failure of the metal, either by direct stress exceeding the elastic limit, or by loss of ductility which is the outcome of constant reversals of stress. Factors which may influence the relative severity of the shelling are the inclination of the rail, the superelevation, the bearing pressure exerted by the wheels, the radius connecting the flanges and the treads of the wheels, and the radius of the gauge corner of the railhead.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Publication Date: 1943-7-9

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 38
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 79

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Defects; Dynamics; Fatigue (Mechanics); Fatigue (Physiological condition); Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Shelling (Metals); Structural design; Technology; Train track dynamics; Vehicle design; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track geometry
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Shelling; Shelling (Rails); Wheel design
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039627
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM