Penetration of contaminated film on rails by ceramic particles and increase of traction force

• Published in: Wear Vol. 530-531; p. 205001
• Main Authors: Fukagai, Shinya, Furuya, Takemasa, Takano, Ryo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.10.2023
• Subjects: Adhesion; Ceramic particle; Sanding; Slippery rail; Ceramic particle; Slippery rail; Adhesion; Sanding
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2023.205001
• ISSN: 0043-1648

Spinning and sliding caused by fallen leaves in autumn are problematic in terms of safety and timely operations. The results of braking tests using a vehicle equipped with an apparatus for applying ceramic particles as adhesion enhancers are reported. To ensure uniform conditions along the rail and minimise differences between test trials, low-adhesion conditions were implemented by applying paper tape to the top of the rail. The tangential coefficient at the beginning of the slide increased with the amount of ceramic particles applied. The larger the area of holes penetrated by the particles in the paper tape, the higher the tangential force during sliding. These findings will be useful in designing new adhesion enhancers and evaluating their performance. •The braking tests using a vehicle equipped with an apparatus for applying adhesion materials were performed.•The tangential coefficient at the beginning of the slide increases with the amount of ceramic particles applied.•The larger the area of holes penetrated by the particles in the low-adhesion film, the higher the tangential force.•It could be important to ensure that enough area is penetrated by the hard particles on the thick lubricating film.