Keywords: friction modifier, wheel wear, top of rail, rolling contact fatigue, shelling, fuel.

Numerous studies have identified the effects of a water based, drying top of rail (TOR) friction modifier (FM) on key parameters such as lateral forces, rail wear, rolling contact fatigue (RCF), and fuel consumption. In principal reductions in wheel wear and RCF related defects may also be anticipated. While the effects of (solid stick) TOR FM application on wheel wear have been documented in closed loop passenger rail systems, no data has been presented to substantiate this effect on freight railroads using wayside application where only a small portion of total wheel rotations experience TOR FM application.

This paper presents comparisons made between coal trains running over essentially identical routes to two power generating utilities, one whose fleet was largely equipped with train mounted (AutoPilotTM) TOR FM, and the other without. Comparisons were also made on a time basis before and after TOR FM implementation. Results obtained validate confirm the positive impacts from a dry film friction modifier on wheel wear and in particular RCF, and provide significant additional impetus for implementation of train mounted TOR FM especially for car owners and those paying for car maintenance.

purchase the full-text of this paper (price £22)

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £85 +P&P)