1986•Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research BoardRequires access
THE REDUCTION OF WHEEL/RAIL CURVING FORCES ON U.S. TRANSIT PROPERTIES
Charles O Phillips, Herbert Weinstock
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Abstract
Summarized in this paper are recent government-sponsored studies to determine the effectiveness of various methods for reducing wheel/rail curving forces and resulting wear and component failure on U.S. transit properties. It describes the factors affecting the trade-off between curving performance and truck stability as it affects ride quality and the potential for derailment. A simplified description of truck-curving mechanics is presented, outlining three sources of lateral wheel/rail forces and three key methods for reducing those forces. References to more detailed papers and reports are included. Finally, the results of wheel/rail force measurements made for various truck and track configurations are presented and compared with theory. It is concluded that reductions in curving forces of up to 75 percent can be obtained by using tapered wheels and softening the longitudinal primary suspension or incorporating steerable trucks, or both.