Shear properties of top-of-rail products in numerical modelling

Abstract

Top-of-rail product assessment in terms of frictional properties plays a key role in the evaluation of desired benefits for wheel-rail contact. In this study, a high-pressure torsion device is used to study the friction-displacement properties of three types of top-of-rail products. The effects of applied amount and increased temperature were investigated. All tested products were very sensitive to the amount applied. For the water-based substance, the evaporation of water created a solid-like film that provided very low friction. The increase in temperature lowered the coefficient of friction for dry contact but had a negligible effect on the applied products. A FASTSIM-based numerical model is used to demonstrate the application of these results.