Assessment of rail grinding maintenance surface quality and damage propagation in subsequent loading cycles for premium rail grades

• Published in: Wear 2023-10, Vol.530-531, p.205051, Article 205051
• Main Authors: Mesaritis, M., Cuervo, P., Santa, J.F., Toro, A., Lewis, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Post-grinding performance; Rail grinding; Rolling-contact fatigue; WEL
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2023.205051

Rail samples were tested under various scenarios as part of a complete analysis of the rail grinding process. Two main group of tests were performed which assessed the following: 1) preventive and corrective maintenance on fresh rail samples and 2) post-grinding tribological performance of the ground samples. The results allowed further knowledge to be acquired with regards to the performance and effectiveness of the grinding process and its effect on the surface quality of the rail samples. Results indicated a correlation between White Etching Layer and the formation of cracks and defects. Additionally, the harder grades were found to retain larger quantities of White Etching Layer upon completion of the rolling/sliding testing due to the hardness gradient between the White Etching Layer and bulk material, promoting the formation of cracks. •Two main methodologies were employed: corrective grinding and preventive grinding.•The corrective maintenance process can generate a thicker more uniform and consistent WEL compared to preventive grinding.•WEL can directly affect the formation of cracks and defects.•Hardness gradient affected the amount of WEL upon completion of the rolling/sliding.