Experiments conducted at the Transportation Test Center and in revenue service have demonstrated the potential for significant reduction in train resistance in curved track territory by use of track lubrication. Evidence has also been collected indicating potential savings on short and long tangent track over lubricated rail. In October 1984, a series of rail lubrication tests were conducted on the Seaboard System Railroad at Cowan, Tennessee. These tests were a joint effort of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Seaboard System Railroad in cooperation with the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Testing was designed to measure the effect of lubrication on train resistance and to determine its effect on locomotive adhesion, energy consumption, train stopping distance, and brake shoe retarding forces. The track over which the tests were conducted was highly curved with grades in excess of 2 %. The primary objective of this testing was to determine if reduction of train resistance through track lubrication would permit safe operation with increased trailing tonnage (from 72 to 90 loaded cars) on this particular route segment. The potential for increasing trailing tonnage in a territory where a ruling grade prevails has significant implications for the railroad industry. However, increased trailing loads can only be accomodated if 1) train resistance is sufficiently reduced to limit in-train forces, 2) adhesion is maintained, and 3) sufficient retardation is maintained for downhill speed control.
Train energy consumption and braking performance with track lubrication on ruling grades
Zugenergieverbrauch und Bremsleistung mit Schienenschmierung auf den Steigungen
ASME-Papers ; Nov ; 1-9
1985
9 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 5 Tabellen, 2 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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