Abstract
Continuous interaction between wheels and rails during train operation results in rail wear and tear. Corrugation of the rail surface is particularly caused by the contact mechanism between train wheel and rail and increases the vibration and dynamic wheel load, and if continued, leads to various defects and breakage of the track. Many devices are used to measure corrugation accurately, but measurement deviation varies greatly by measuring device. The most common corrugation measurement system measures surface roughness with a vibration acceleration sensor or displacement sensor. Corrugation with different pitches can be calculated by assuming the longitudinal rail surface as a chord with variable wavelength. Recent systems use a measurement model applying multiple sensors for more accurate measurement. This study investigated spectral characteristics of rail surface roughness based on long time measurement results. In particular, spectral changes upon the growth of rail surface wear and corrugation were analyzed when using the measurement system applying the chord offset method with multiple sensors. The results of analysis were verified through the field subway section, a running track undergoing corrugation, three months after initial measurement, and compared the measurement results according to the number of sensors. Additionally, the rail surface wavelength bands that affected measurement value according to the number of sensors were analyzed.
Highlights
Rail corrugation refers to surface roughness in the longitudinal direction of rail with a regular shape generated by friction and sliding between train wheel and rail
The Auto Rail Checker (ARCer) used for measurement features a brushless motor with an incremental encoder to measure distance, three LVDT sensors installed at movable positions, Li-Ion battery, and wireless data transmission functionality
Wavelength regions that are excessively amplified when using a single sensor were measured and confirmed in sections where corrugation was developing along currently running tracks
Summary
Rail corrugation refers to surface roughness in the longitudinal direction of rail with a regular shape generated by friction and sliding between train wheel and rail. Continuous generation and development of corrugation increases excitation of the wheels and train rails, causing rail defects and increasing track maintenance costs and risks to safety. It is a major source of environmental noise. Rail corrugation can affect the passenger comfort [1], and deteriorate the vehicle–infrastructure interaction performance [2]. Together, these factors make it necessary to monitor for rail surface corrugation through continuous inspection and accurate detection [3]
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