ON THE NONDESTRUCTIVE IN-TRACK MEASUREMENT OF LONGITUDINAL RAIL FORCES

This paper presents the current state of the art for the nondestructive measurement of longitudinal rail forces. The development of longitudinal forces through temperature changes, various installation practices, train acceleration or braking, and rail creep is discussed. A distinction is made between those stresses that produce a net force, and those, such as residual stresses, which do not. Current evaluation and measurement techniques, including field "judgements," mechanical and electric resistance strain gauges, and a British Rail force-measuring transducer are presented, and the associated practical problems evaluated. Recent reseach programs, in such areas as rail vibration, X-ray diffraction and ultrasonic wave progragation, are discussed. It is noted that preliminary tests at the Association of American Railroads, using the lateral rail head vibration response technique, appear promising. The paper concludes with a comprehensive set of requirements for a practical force measuring system for use in the railroad industry.

• Corporate Authors:

  Association of American Railroads Research Center

  3140 South Federal Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616
• Authors:
  • Zarembski, A M
• Publication Date: 1980-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 33 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buckling; Force; High temperature; Nondestructive tests; Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Strain gages; Stresses; Thermal stresses; Transducers; Ultrasonic tests; Vibration tests
• Uncontrolled Terms: Longitudinal forces
• Old TRIS Terms: Rail stress
• Subject Areas: Materials; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00322194
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: AAR R-406 Tech Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 19 1980 12:00AM