Effect of Kinematic Oscillation on Tractive Characteristics of Steel Wheel on Rail

The effect of kinematic oscillation of a wheel on a rail has been experimentally investigated by using the newly redesigned and improved quarter scale IIT-GMEMD Wheel Rail Simulation Facility. It has been found that unlike the decrease of longitudinal adhesion observed in curve negotiation with a steady angle of attack, the kinematic oscillation at a small oscillation angle seems to actually increase the maximum adhesion levels that can be achieved. This implies that the wheel conicity is slightly beneficial from the point of view of the levels of adhesion that may be achieved. It has also been observed that the condition of the surface in terms of the roughness (>20 μin.) is a more significant parameter influencing degree of adhesion as compared to the influence of kinematic oscillation. Slightly higher roughness seems to increase the adhesion level achieved.