THE COMPOSITION SHOE CONTRIBUTION TO MODERN RAILROAD SERVICE

Something over ten years ago an intensive investigation was started to determine the specification for the ideal friction material for tread brake shoes to be used in railroad service. The general conclusions of this research were: 1. The coefficient of friction of the material should be uniform through out the speed range but with a slightly rising characteristic to substantially match the wheel-rail adhesion as the speed reduces. 2. Brake shoes made of such material should have a service life which would make the economics of its use highly attractive. 3. The friction material should have a higher coefficient of friction than conventionally employed to make possible greater simplification of control equipment and brake rigging. 4. The friction material must operate compatibly with existing wheels to improve wheel performance and economics. 5. Reliable braking performance must be assured under all normal operating conditions, including wet weather. Shortly after the above period, Westinghouse Air Brake Company, working with John-Manville Corporation, began their search for composition friction materials which would possess the foregoing characteristics to the greatest extent possible. Approximately four years ago, a modern composition shoe, called the COBRA shoe was offered for commercial use. There are now over 80 million vehicle miles of service experience with the shoe. Considerable pertinent data have been gathered with respect to its characteristics and performance.

• Corporate Authors:

  Railroad Friction Products Corporation

  Wilmerding, PA  United States 
• Publication Date: 0

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 17 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adhesion; Automated vehicle control; Brake shoes; Brakes; Composite materials; Freight cars; Guideways; Motor vehicles; Speed; Traffic speed
• Old TRIS Terms: Automated transit system; Braking systems; Tread braking
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00047818
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Railroad Friction Products Corporation
• Report/Paper Numbers: RFP-110
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 13 1976 12:00AM