LABORATORY STATIC TESTS ON BODY BOLSTER CENTER PLATES

Service experience has shown that the AAR standard separable body centerplates (both cast and forged) fabricated with a 3/4-inch thick flange and a 3/8-inch radius, between the bowl and flange, develop fatigue cracks around the bowl the 3/8-inch radius. The purpose of this test was to determine the stress reduction achieved by substitution of a 3/4-inch thick flange. Results showed the larger 3/4-inch radius reduced the stress in the area of failure. The lack of consistency in flange flatness influenced all results and masked the effect of the thicker 1-inch flange.

• Corporate Authors:

  Association of American Railroads Research Center

  3140 South Federal Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616
• Authors:
  • Ryan, J P
• Publication Date: 1972-8

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 44 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bolsters; Car trucks (Railroads)
• Old TRIS Terms: Body bolsters; Body center plates; Center plate failures; Truck and bolster systems
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080127
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: R-116-A Test Rept.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 29 1975 12:00AM