Influence of white etching layer created on R260 rails using lasers on damage behaviour during rolling/sliding contact tests

This research examines the influence of laserinduced white etching layers (WELs) on the damage behaviour of R260 rail steel under rolling/sliding contact conditions. The laser-based approach was found to produce very consistent WEL patches across different specimens. The research explores how WELs contribute to crack initiation and propagation, particularly at the WEL/substrate interface and within the WEL itself. Crack formation was very consistent across similar WEL patches in terms of location, angle and length. Localised material deformation, including unique material flow patterns at the trailing edge, was found to play a key role in crack development. The findings provide deeper insight into rail surface degradation mechanisms and have implications for the design, treatment, and maintenance of railway components.