Jaffé, J. orcid.org/0000-0003-2355-5765, Lanigan, J. orcid.org/0000-0001-9860-9559 and Lewis, R. orcid.org/0000-0002-4300-0540 (2025) Field-based investigation of low adhesion leaf layers: assessing layer initiation and environmental influences. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 239 (2). pp. 116-131. ISSN 0954-4097
Abstract
Changing weather conditions are known to impact on adhesion at the railhead. However, the influence on actual leaf layer “seeding” (formation) and low adhesion has not been measured in the field. This paper presents findings from a field survey conducted in autumn 2023 on a narrow gauge railway in Wales, observing leaf layer initiation, development, and environmental influences on adhesion levels. Using friction testing, timelapse imagery, and chemical analysis, the study examines the impact of weather and layer characteristics on friction. Results show that moisture content in the layer has a significant impact on adhesion levels, with a linear relationship observed between moisture and friction. Leaf layer initiation and development were observed, with water playing a crucial role in layer formation. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of iron oxides and biopolymers in the leaf layers. The results give insight into the variation in adhesion levels in leaf layer that have been measured through indirect measures in the past.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © IMechE 2024. Creative Commons License (CC BY 4.0) This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page. |
Keywords: | Low adhesion; leaf layer; relative humidity; wheel-rail interface; tribology; railhead contamination |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Engineering (Sheffield) > School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 11 Feb 2025 10:20 |
Last Modified: | 11 Feb 2025 10:20 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | SAGE Publications |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1177/09544097241302206 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:223095 |