Development of wheel/rail Friction Moderating System (FRIMOS)

Abstract

Lubrication on sharp curves has been commonly adopted as a method of reducing friction between the wheel flange and rail gauge face to minimize wear and energy consumption. Additionally, lubrication between the running surface of the low rail and wheel tread has recently been recognized as a significant factor in reducing the likelihood of low rail corrugation, squealing noise and rail gage face wear. This paper describes a frictionmoderating system (FRIMOS) for the interface between the top of the low rail and the wheel tread, consisting of a solid lubricant known as a friction moderator and a jetting device installed on the vehicle to apply the moderator to the wheel/rail interface.