Influence of Tribological Parameters on the Railway Wheel Derailment

At present, Nadal’s formula is used for prediction of derailment that contains a limited number of parameters. Besides, insufficient study of laws of variation of the noted parameters and ignorance of the influence of other parameters on the derailment complicate solution of the problem. The sliding distance and the relative sliding velocity are the most sensitive factors contributing to the destruction of the third body. Moreover, increased friction coefficient between the steering surfaces of the wheel and rail promotes climbing of a wheel on the rail and derailment. Dependences of the main parameters, influencing the destruction of the third body, the sliding distance and the relative sliding velocity on the rail track curvature, and difference of diameters of wheels of the wheelset and the non-roundness of one of the wheels of the wheelset are shown in the work. The methods for estimation of the third body destruction degree and consideration in Nadal’s formula of the additional criterion of impossibility of the wheel rolling on the contact point of the wheel and rail steering surfaces, containing a value of this contact point advancing, which in turn depends on the angle of attack, are proposed

A New Concept of the Mechanism of Variation of Tribological Properties of the Machine Elements Interacting Surfaces

The methods of estimation and prediction of tribological properties of the contact zone of interacting elements of machines are characterized by the low informativeness and accuracy that complicates provision of the proper tribological properties and hinders reliable and effective operation of machines. For obtaining more wide information about factors influencing tribological properties of the interacting surfaces, the experimental researches on the high speed (up to 70-m/s) and serial twin-disk machines were carried out. Our researches have shown that with different properties and degrees of destruction of the third body, the coefficient of friction can change up to 10 times or more, the wear rate up to 102-104 times, etc. This was the basis for a new concept of the mechanism of variation of tribological properties of interacting surfaces. The researches have shown a dependence of tribological properties of the contact zone on the properties and destruction degree of the third body that was assumed as a basis of new concept of the mechanism of variation of tribological properties of these surfaces. The monitoring of the third body destruction onset and development was carried out in the laboratory conditions and a criterion of the third body destruction was developed. The reasons of the negative, neutral and positive friction and mild, severe and catastrophic wear are shown