Wheel/rail adhesion and analysis by using full scale roller rig

The adhesion test under the conditions of different wheel/rail contacts, such as various speeds, axle-loads, contamination situation, was carried out. In order to simulate track irregularities, the rollers of the test rig were excited with hydraulic system in the test. The test results showed that the adhesion coefficient of wheel/rail decreased with increasing in the axle-load and running speed under the water contaminated condition. Also it was found that the adhesion coefficient dropped as an increase in the excitation frequency under the water contaminated condition. By modifying Kalker’s FASTSIM program, the numerical simulation for wheel/rail adhesion was also carried out. The results obtained were in good agreement with the test results. Based on the obtained test and simulation results, correlations between wheel/rail adhesion and locomotive traction power have been discussed.