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Friction Modification within Wheel-Rail Contact
Galas, Radovan ; Meierhofer, Alexander (oponent) ; Pfaff, Raphael (oponent) ; Hartl, Martin (vedoucí práce)
This dissertation thesis deals with an experimental study of top-of-rail products, specifically top-of-rail lubricants and friction modifiers, which are applied into the wheel-rail contact to optimize adhesion and reduce noise. The main goal of this thesis was to clarify the effect of the applied quantity and chemical composition of top-of-rail products on adhesion. The main attention was paid to low adhesion issues, associated with the application of these products, because low adhesion can result in traction and braking difficulties. This experimental study was conducted in both the laboratory and real conditions where a light rail system was utilized. In the case of laboratory investigations, a commercial tribometer and a twin-disc machine, enabling to achieve typical curve conditions, were employed. Apart from adhesion, wear and noise were analysed during the experiments. The obtained results showed that top-of-rail lubricants are able to provide a beneficial friction behaviour but their performance is strongly affected by the applied quantity. When the contact was overdosed with a top-of-rail lubricant, then a critically low adhesion resulting in a significant extension of braking distance was observed. In the case of friction modifiers, it was revealed that evaporation of base medium considerably changed a friction behaviour of these substances. Besides this, it was investigated that a high content of particles for friction modification can cause low adhesion issues. In general, it was observed that both types of top-of-rail products are able to significantly reduce wear and surface damage, while it seems to be difficult to achieve a significant reduction of noise without the impact on traction and braking capabilities. At the end of the present thesis, some future research steps in this area are recommended.
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Experimental investigation and numerical modelling of top of rail products
Kvarda, Daniel ; prof.Roger Lewis (oponent) ; Meierhofer, Alexander (oponent) ; Hartl, Martin (vedoucí práce)
This dissertation thesis deals with experimental and numerical study of top or rail products. These products are used to reduce wear, noise and improve energy efficiency of wheel and rail contact. In the last two decades, extensive experimental research has been conducted on the use of top of rail products. However, very little research has focused on the fundamental mechanisms of these products, especially causes of low adhesion. Application of mathematical models to this field was also not yet examined. The aim of this thesis is to explain the frictional behaviour and low adhesion conditions of the top of rail products with the use of a mathematical model. The model assumes both friction arising from solid asperity interaction and separation by a fluid film. The validation of this model was carried out on an experimental tribometer with the ability to measure film thickness to validate the accurate prediction of surface separation. A commercial tribometer was used to investigate the influence of individual components in oil-based top of rail product on the coefficient of adhesion. A set of rheological tests in combination with the model showed that the solid particles had very little effect in increasing adhesion after application. Subsequently, different types of top of rail products were tested using a high pressure torsion device. The boundary friction of these substances was evaluated by the model. The positive frictional characteristics that these products should provide are found to be a result of sliding friction changing the composition of the interfacial layer. In addition, the low coefficient of friction due to overapplication occurred at the same amount applied for all tested substances. This thesis presents original research expanding on the knowledge of top of rail products.
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Friction Modification within Wheel-Rail Contact
Galas, Radovan ; Meierhofer, Alexander (oponent) ; Pfaff, Raphael (oponent) ; Hartl, Martin (vedoucí práce)
This dissertation thesis deals with an experimental study of top-of-rail products, specifically top-of-rail lubricants and friction modifiers, which are applied into the wheel-rail contact to optimize adhesion and reduce noise. The main goal of this thesis was to clarify the effect of the applied quantity and chemical composition of top-of-rail products on adhesion. The main attention was paid to low adhesion issues, associated with the application of these products, because low adhesion can result in traction and braking difficulties. This experimental study was conducted in both the laboratory and real conditions where a light rail system was utilized. In the case of laboratory investigations, a commercial tribometer and a twin-disc machine, enabling to achieve typical curve conditions, were employed. Apart from adhesion, wear and noise were analysed during the experiments. The obtained results showed that top-of-rail lubricants are able to provide a beneficial friction behaviour but their performance is strongly affected by the applied quantity. When the contact was overdosed with a top-of-rail lubricant, then a critically low adhesion resulting in a significant extension of braking distance was observed. In the case of friction modifiers, it was revealed that evaporation of base medium considerably changed a friction behaviour of these substances. Besides this, it was investigated that a high content of particles for friction modification can cause low adhesion issues. In general, it was observed that both types of top-of-rail products are able to significantly reduce wear and surface damage, while it seems to be difficult to achieve a significant reduction of noise without the impact on traction and braking capabilities. At the end of the present thesis, some future research steps in this area are recommended.
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