Assessing the Performance of TOR Lubricants in Humid Environments and Under Dew Conditions
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Date
2024-07-16
Authors
Skurka, Šimon
Galas, Radovan
Omasta, Milan
Ding, Haohao
Wang, Wenjian
Křupka, Ivan
Hartl, Martin
0000-0001-6752-6806Advisor
Referee
Mark
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature
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Abstract
Top-of-rail (TOR) lubricants are commonly used for friction control in railway operations. They aim to lower friction and reduce noise and wear while ensuring sufficient transmission of traction/braking forces. However, the wheel-rail interface is an open system, so the conditions may suddenly change due to the weather, and different contaminants may enter the contact and influence the performance of these lubricants. Thus, this study examined the effect of humidity and dew on two commercial products, as these conditions often occur on the track. A methodology based on a creep curves measurement approach was used to assess product performance under various scenarios. All measurements were conducted on a universal tribometer in the ball-on-disc configuration covered with a climate chamber. The results show a strong influence of dew on the tested products, as dew lowered their performance parameters and caused low adhesion problems. Possible mechanisms of water-oil interaction and formation of oxidic third body layers were discussed. The main findings indicate that TOR lubricants may cause traction/braking problems if used in dew conditions. The present study may be helpful in optimising friction management methods in the future.
Description
Citation
Tribology Letters. 2024, vol. 72, issue 3, p. 72-90.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11249-024-01889-7
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11249-024-01889-7
Document type
Peer-reviewed
Document version
Published version
Date of access to the full text
Language of document
en