Physical nature of surface structure degradation in long term operated rails

Abstract

Here we present research data on the structural-phase state and surface properties of rails after long-term operation with a transported tonnage of gross weight 500 and 1000 mln tons. Using optical, scanning, and transmission electron diffraction microscopy, and measurements of microhardness and tribological parameters, it is shown that the wear rate of the material after transport of 500 and 1000 mln tons increases 3 and 3.4 times, respectively, and the friction coefficient decreases 1.4 and 1.1 times. After transport of 500 mln tons, complete failure of cementite plates occurs resulting in round cementite particles of size 10–50 nm. After transport of 1000 mln tons, dynamic recrystallization develops in the material. Two competitive mechanisms are suggested for such evolution: (1) decomposition of cementite particles with their transfer to the volume of ferrite grains or plates in pearlite and (2) decomposition and dissolution of cementite particles, transition of carbon atoms to dislocations (to Cottrell atmospheres), transfer of carbon atoms by dislocations to the volume of ferrite grains or plates, and formation of nano-sized cementite particles.