MTS Helps Freight Operators Drive Down Costs With Accurate And Repeatable Wear Tests For Rail Industry
The largest ongoing maintenance cost for rail operators is the replacement of wheels and rails due to the natural surface wear that occurs as a result of wheel and rail contact. This wear causes the mechanical profiles of the wheels and rails to change over time. A better understanding of these changes can help to identify and mitigate potential risks and support reduced operational costs.
Conventional tests in this area have had considerable limitations because they are only able to address one wheel and one rail at a time, rather than a complete wheel set and corresponding rails. In addition, there are different forces acting on the front and back wheels. To date, test engineers have had to rely solely on carrying out comparative studies, which are time consuming and fail to deliver accurate test data.
By developing a system capable of accurate and repeatable rolling contact fatigue (RCF) tests on a complete wheelset, MTS has provided TTCI with a unique solution that enables in-depth analysis of the impact of surface wear and rolling contact fatigue on the operational life of freight train rolling stock. Through the tests, engineers can better predict lifecycle and steering implications and assess how different geometries and materials can improve durability. This will help operators to extend the period over which rolling stock remains in service and minimize maintenance costs.
"The test system developed by MTS is far more effective than existing single wheel test systems that are unable to replicate real world scenarios," stated Dr.
"Apart from fuel, the largest single expense that freight operators have to deal with is maintaining and replacing wheels and rails, with millions of dollars each year being invested for this purpose," explained TTCI's Chief Executive Officer and President
About
About TTCI
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prn/20121115/AQ14468LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mts-helps-freight-operators-drive-down-costs-with-accurate-and-repeatable-wear-tests-for-rail-industry-300226294.html
SOURCE
Andy Cebulla, Director of Investor Relations and Treasurer, 952.937.4000