Investigation On Tribology Of Wheel-Rail: A Case Study Of Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit (Aalrt)

Abstract

This paper presents wheel wear at Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit and friction behavior of wheel material under both dry and lubricated conditions. The main purpose of this research is to investigate on tribology of wheel-rail for Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit and evaluate frictional behavior of wheel material for both dry and lubricated conditions. Composition, hardness and ring compression tests were the conducted experimental tests carried out during experimental analysis for both existing and alloyed wheel steel. The percentage compostion of carbon, manganese and silicon is gained 0.5%,0.7% and 0.25% respectively for exsting wheel and 0.8%,1.15% and 0.38% for alloyed wheel steel. Based on these findings, combination of issues related to inadequate friction management, poor track infrastructure, composition and hardness were key factors which had led to wheel wear. The parameters such as angular speed of the wheel, passengers loading, and total vehicles weight were calculated based on specification of the company. The hardness value of the wheel material increased from 98.88 HRC to 99.7 HRC. Suitable lubrication and better method of application, improved wheel material, revised track alignment for easing of sharper curves and improved workshop facilities were recommended in this work.

This Paper Presents Wheel Wear At Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit And Friction Behavior Of Wheel Material Under Both Dry And Lubricated Conditions. The Main Purpose Of This Research Is To Investigate On Tribology Of Wheel-Rail For Addis Abeba Light Rail Transit And Evaluate Frictional Behavior Of Wheel Material For Both Dry And Lubricated Conditions. Composition, Hardness And Ring Compression Tests Were The Conducted Experimental Tests Carried Out During Experimental Analysis For Both Existing And Alloyed Wheel Steel. The Percentage Compostion Of Carbon, Manganese And Silicon Is Gained 0.5%,0.7% And 0.25% Respectively For Exsting Wheel And 0.8%,1.15% And 0.38% For Alloyed Wheel Steel. Based On These Findings, Combination Of Issues Related To Inadequate Friction Management, Poor Track Infrastructure, Composition And Hardness Were Key Factors Which Had Led To Wheel Wear. The Parameters Such As Angular Speed Of The Wheel, Passengers Loading, And Total Vehicles Weight Were Calculated Based On Specification Of The Company. The Hardness Value Of The Wheel Material Increased From 98.88 Hrc To 99.7 Hrc. Suitable Lubrication And Better Method Of Application, Improved Wheel Material, Revised Track Alignment For Easing Of Sharper Curves And Improved Workshop Facilities Were Recommended In This Work.