Rail lubrication measurement

Abstract

Lubrication of the wheel/rail interface has long been recognized as a major benefit in the reduction of wear and savings in fuel consumption. The lubrication works to improve both the micro and macro influences of the wheel/rail interface. Improper, under or excessive lubrication has adverse influences on operating and wear conditions. These conditions vary from a loss of traction to excessive wear. Inefficiencies in lubrication also need to be avoided for economic and environmental reasons. Measurement of the coefficient of friction has been limited to devices which are manually controlled and operated. However, new devices have now been developed to gather a significantly greater number of measurements. They attach to hi-rail and other vehicles normally operating over the rail at speeds significantly faster than possible with manual measurement devices. These new tribometers have relative differences which provide choices, enabling users a selection of relative advantages.