Experimental Studies of Rail Loading in Curved Track Sections

Abstract

The results of experimental studies on the loading of the inner rail in a curved track section with a radius of 298 meters on the Angasolka–Slyudyanka‑2 stretch of the East Siberian Infrastructure Division of JSC «Russian Railways» are presented. The curve is located on a downhill slope with a gradient of 16.4‰. A statistical analysis of the vertical and lateral forces acting on the inner rail from the most common rolling stock — hopper cars — is performed. It is shown that due to the random variation of force factors associated with the dynamics of interaction between rolling stock and track, as well as unrealized speeds, vertical forces of up to 160–175 kN and lateral forces of up to 60–70 kN act on the inner rail. Although their frequency is low, the latter can cause progressive plastic deformation on the running surface of the inner rail. Differences in levels and contact zones are established between the 1st and 3rd wheelsets and the 2nd and 4th wheelsets. Two rolling contact fatigue tracks are formed on the running surface of the inner rail. The track closest to the working edge is formed by the 1st and 3rd wheelsets, and the second, located closer to the outer non-working edge, is formed by the 2nd and 4th wheelsets and is characterized by surface flaking with increased metal removal depth.