Investigation of Prototype Rail Neutral Temperature Measurement System

This article describes research that is directed at evaluating and developing technology designed to non-destructively measure the rail neutral temperature, ultimately leading to fewer track-buckling incidents. The article focuses on the D’stresen rail vibration technique, a portable and non-destructive rail neutral temperature (RNT) measurement system. Determining the RNT is important because it indicates the magnitude of thermal forces than can develop at temperature extremes. When the rail temperature is higher than the RNT, compressive forces are produced and these can cause the track to buckle. If temperatures are below the RNT, then the rail is in tension and excessive tensile forces can lead rail joints to fail or pull apart in cold weather. The article details the D’stresen rail vibration technique, the engineering basis of the technology, and the test data that have been generated comparing the D’stresen to strain gauge RNT values.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1763403
• Authors:
  • Read, David
  • Shust, Bill
• Publication Date: 2007-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 19-21
• Serial:
  • Railway Track and Structures
  • Volume: 103
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-9016

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buckling; Rail (Railroads); Temperature measurement
• Subject Areas: Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01052162
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 22 2007 3:52PM