IMPORTANCE OF SERVICE TRIALS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAILWAY BRAKE BLOCKS

The development of a railway brake block is seen as a particularly difficult challenge by reason of the many constraints that need to be met. Progress by evolutionary methods is slow, and the risks associated by innovative steps are unwelcomed. A strategy is recommended whereby knowledge is sought from observing anomalous behavior in service, and from conducting an historical comparison of service trials. The recommendation is illustrated by eleven case histories, and although the value of laboratory work is briefly discussed, it is concluded that the best use of nonmetallic railway brake blocks will only result when a more vigorous attempt is made to obtain basic data from observations in service.

• Corporate Authors:

  Kelvin Publications (Pty) Limited

  London House, Loveday Street
  Johannesburg,   South Africa 
• Authors:
  • Parker, R C
• Publication Date: 1976-2

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 43-52
• Serial:
  • South African Mechanical Engineer
  • Volume: 26
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: South African Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brake shoes; Braking performance; Composite materials; Field tests; Service life; Tests
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142271
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 23 1976 12:00AM