Change in Surface Condition of Turned Wheel and Effectiveness of Lubrication against Flange Climb Derailment

Abstract

A number of flange climb derailments have occurred in sharp curves or curves with turnouts within relatively short accumulated running distances subsequent to wheel turning. This indicates that a change in the condition of the turned wheel surface might be a factor inducing flange climbing. Through several experiments and numerical simulations, the authors investigated the relationship between the running safety of a vehicle and its wheel surface condition especially in terms of wheel/rail friction. Furthermore, lubrication just after wheel turning was proposed as a countermeasure to flange climb derailments and its effectiveness and persistence were evaluated.