Study on the Countermeasure Method Using Citric Acid for Black Film on Rail Surface Caused by Fallen Leaves

Abstract

In mountainous areas in autumn, wheels frequently slip or slide due to black film on rail surface caused by fallen leaves. In this study, the effect of citric acid solution, which is expected to remove the black film, was investigated by measuring the tangential force coefficient and observing the appearance. The results suggested that the removal effect of citric acid solution was obvious and the higher the concentration, the higher the effect. On the other hand, it is expected that the rails need to be washed with water after the removal of the black film using citric acid solution.