DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF A WHEELSET TO VERTICAL FAULTS AT RAIL WELDS

Abstract

In this paper, localised vertical geometrical faults at rail welds are considered. The aim is to predict maximum permissible irregularity sizes at such faults, assuming continuously welded track. To achieve this, the criteria of maximum accelerations and dynamic peak- wheel-rail forces between welds can be used. Theoretical results were partly controlled by experiments and discussed in relation to other studies.