The effects of manufacturing method, chemical composition, heat treatment, temperature, and loading rate on the plane strain fracture toughness KIC of railroad wheels have been determined. Carbon content of the wheels is shown to be the principal factor which controls their toughness. One hundred wheels which fractured in service are analyzed by means of fracture mechanics procedures. The locations, configurations, and size of thermal and plate cracks which initiated brittle fracture are reviewed, and estimates made of the stress levels which resulted in failure. Estimates have been made of the minimum size of crack which could result in the failure of wheels under adverse service conditions. These are discussed with respect to the minimum size of defect which can be reliably detected by NDT. Included in the report are state-of-the-art reviews on thermal and plate cracking and on the stresses developed in railroad wheels.
One new wheel and two used wheels (one with a thermal crack in the tread) were examined for mechanical properties, macrostructure, microstructure, and...
The results of a comprehensive study of the crack propagation behavior of detail fractures in railroad rails are presented. The study includes full-sc...
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United States Department of Transportation
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