An experimental investigation of the adhesion behavior between wheel and rail under oil, water and sanding conditions

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the adhesion behavior under poor condition in presence of the debris particles, oil, water and sanding conditions. Experimental data are obtained with an experimental device that simulates sliding velocity, the adhesion coefficient, the load per wheel. respectively Hertzian pressure by using specimens made with similar mechanical properties like a real rail wheel and a rail. The wheel and the rail are simulated by the twin disk mechanism. The first result shows that traction curve has similar shape like theoretical one. In wet and oil conditions the adhesion coefficient decreases compare to dry condition. Sanding can increase the adhesion coefficient, however using this modification leads to damage of the wheel to rail contact surface. The saturation point differs for each condition applied. An ability to hold enough traction is better for dry contact.