IDR2-Novum promises lower rail maintenance costs

This article outlines the research projects being carried out as part of the French-German research partnership between the Initiative for Development and Research on Rail (IDR2) and Novum. The behaviour of railway track in different conditions is studied to determine whether defects are caused by rail properties or wheel-rail interaction. The programme uses mathematical models in dynamics and engineering observations. A diagnostic wheel testing system, DafuR, is employed in 28 measuring sites. Rail grinding and hardness are monitored. Defect development is studied, with contact patterns and forces. Dynamic and thermo-mechanical effects on track and rail are investigated. Field tests consider the material properties and mechanical behaviour of rail. The German partners Novum are investigating crack initiation and propagation. One of the primary benefits expected of the research is better prediction of crack growth rate. In the future it is hoped that a similarly comprehensive approach will help reduce maintenance costs. (A)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03735346
• Authors:
  • Girardi, L
  • HEYDER, R
  • Levy, D
  • BOULANGER, D
• Publication Date: 2005-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 439-42
• Monograph Title: Rebuilding the gateway to Coney Island
• Serial:
  • Railway Gazette International
  • Publisher: DVV Media Group
  • ISSN: 0373-5346
  • Serial URL: http://www.railwaygazette.com/about-us.html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Cracking; Field tests; Forecasting; Hardness; Maintenance; Mathematical models; Measurement; Operating costs; Properties of materials; Railroad tracks; Research projects; Rolling contact; Wheels
• ITRD Terms: 9001: Behaviour; 5450: Contact (wheel rail); 5211: Cracking; 132: Forecast; 5914: Hardness; 6226: In situ; 3847: Maintenance; 6473: Mathematical model; 6136: Measurement; 221: Operating costs; 5925: Properties; 1062: Railway track; 8557: Research project; 1372: Wheel
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Railroads; Research; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01027136
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 5 2006 12:23PM