Curve Lubrication

Project Manager:

Prof. Gopinath Chattopadhyay

Sponsor Organisations:

• CRC for Rail innovation
• QR
• ARTC
• RailCorp

Partner Research Organisations:

QUT, Monash

Staff Members:

• Dr Subhash Sharma
• Scott Simson

Objectives

The aim of the project is to collect already completed research that can be used to inform and improve existing industry practices of wheel-rail friction modification. This will include:

• Research that leads to a ranking applicators in order of effectiveness
• Comparison of Lubricants
• Investigate grease suitability for various lubricators
• Evaluating the economics of hi-rail applicators versus fixed curve lubricators.

The project will also seek to contribute to performance based standards for the placement of lubricators on curves:

Specific research objectives include:

• Optimal positioning of lubricators.
• Develop of a practical lubricator placement model
• Evaluation of the sustainability of the optimal placement of lubricators on curves.
• Study of wear rates over the length of the curves (single direction running can show variation of wear rate and pattern over the length of the curve)

Background

Each year, railroads incur significant costs for replacing rails due to friction and wear. Controlling the complex wheel/rail interface imposes wide-ranging demands upon the work force and budget. The benefits are.

• Enhanced wheel and rail life
• Increased fuel economy
• Noise abatement
• Reduces lateral forces
• Reduced derailment potential
• Reduces ground born vibration

Placement of correct lubricants of required quantity at right point on the rail curve using reliable and effective lubricators has substantial benefits.

There are however challenges and concerns relating to the use of lubricants, lubricators and positioning. Depending on the type and amount of lubricant and type and number of lubricators, there is often concern about positioning and maintenance decisions for achieving desired friction level. It needs to address desired locomotive adhesion as well as reduced friction for controlling wear. Excess amounts of flange lubricant can result in lubricant spreading on to the top of the rail head. Marich [2] proposed minimising the number of curve lubricators and placing them properly to ensure maximum benefit.

Outcomes

• Collated knowledge based on existing research, results and industry practices on curve wear and lubrication
• Selection chart for rail curve Greases & Applicators
• Develop of a practical lubricator placement model
• Economic models for decision on rail curve lubrication
• Practice manual for rail curve lubrication