Tribological approach to optimize traction coefficient during running-in period using surface texture

Risk of wheel-climb derailment increases if the traction coefficient in the wheel/rail contact is too high. This has been observed to happen more just after wheel turning. This novel work investigates how the traction coefficient rises during the running-in period, when textured surfaces are used to simulate a freshly turned wheel. Running-in curve of traction coefficient showed a momentary rise and a peak value of traction coefficient was observed to decrease with the increase in magnitude of the wheel surface texture. The change of the subsurface hardness and the microstructure were also dependent on the initial surface texture coincidentally and the work-hardening layer of the textured surface was thicker than that of smooth surface. A mechanism model of the effects of surface texture on traction characteristics during the running-in was presented. The work will allow recommendations of wheel turning to be made to help reduce the problem of wheel-climb derailment.