A novel methodology for developing ultra-low adhesion leaf layers on a full-scale wheel/rail rig

This paper explores a novel method for creating an ultra-low adhesion leaf layer on a rail using a full-scale wheel/rail rig. Ultra-low adhesion layers were generated using leaf powder for the first time on a linear full-scale rig. The layers are compared chemically and physically to other layers from the laboratory and field. Testing of the adhesion evolution of the leaf contaminated layers over 50 cycles is explored, and compared to dry and wet rails.