Microstructure features on rolling surfaces of railway rails subjected to heavy loading

The running surface of two railway rails is characterized. Detailed information about the morphology of the microstructure features of the rail surface, especially of the white etching layers (WEL), is derived by scanning electron microscopy. Phase composition, texture and residual stress state of the rails are determined by applying laboratory X-ray and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques. The investigations reveal the microstructure features on the rail surfaces and in the near-surface areas of the rails, which are produced by the wheel/rail contact. The results contribute to the understanding of the formation mechanisms of the WEL frequently found on worn rail surfaces.