Two-material rail development : field test results regarding rolling contact fatigue and squeal behaviour

• Results from the European 5th Framework project “InfraStar” are presented. The InfraStar project is developing a two-material rail to increase the productivity and reliability of rail infrastructure. The two-material rail aims to be rolling contact fatigue (RCF) resistant and to reduce squeal noise.The InfraStar consortium has built a high level of wheel–rail expertise and understanding regarding RCF initiation and development, level and position of wheel–rail contact forces, and new interface materials and has gained experience in both laboratory and field test operating conditions. Within the project a validated theoretical train–track interaction model and a fatigue design model for two-material rails have been developed.This paper focuses on the field test results of the two-material rail, and how the predictions and expectations from the selection process match with the results observed in track. Results are very promising. The two-material rail prototypes, now over 1 year in track, show no RCF damage where the non-treated rail shows clear RCF damage. The development of the application process and other objectives of the InfraStar project are discussed.

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