Wheel/rail profile studies

Abstract

The subject of determining the proper profile to use with either the wheel or rail has long been a discussion of controversy. Practices have evolved and become common in monitoring the rail profile and keeping in conformance with researched profiles that offer maximum rail life. However, with the wheel, preventative measures to maintain the accepted profile have not been widely adopted. Railroad companies and Loram Maintenance of Way have joined forces to develop an "Automatic Wheel Inspection System" (AWIS). This paper demonstrates the benefits of monitoring as well as profiling wheels in order to extend their useful life.