Studies on the effects of braking loads on a Railway Wheel

Abstract

Indian Railways boasts as the superior modes of transportation in the country and it functions in all rural and urban networks including narrow, meter and broad gauges. Railway accidents due to mechanical failure of wheels are still considered with primary importance by research and development wing. Studies have revealed that the braking of tread zone of wheel results in non-uniform heating and creates severe stresses in railroad car wheels. The existing trend towards high speed trains and larger axle loads has created a need for a better understanding of the technology involved in designing of wheel. All the types of trains including freight and passenger, are generally braked using cast iron brake blocks which adds to the thermal loading on the wheel. Braking application for long time results in high temperatures on the wheel tread and the rim. Thermal loading has sufficient capability to not only initiate cracks but also increases the crack growth rate.