Wheel Rail Interaction

The interaction between track and vehicle, and the resulting effects on performance of track and vehicle components, is a key competency of the Institute. Activities include:

• Measurement of the loading conditions (including impact loading) between wheel and rail using comprehensive instrumentation and data analysis routines

• Diagnosis of problems associated with wheel-rail interaction, e.g. rolling contact fatigue behaviour, accelerated wear, rail and wheel defects

• The design of modified (wear-adapted) wheel and rail profiles

• Assessment of rail grinding procedures