Measurement of radial strain in the cross section of a railway wheel hoop

Abstract

The radial strain in an ICE railway wheel hoop was scanned over the cross section perpendicular to the hoop direction. Only in the middle part of the hoop cross section compressive strain were found. In a band between a distance of 5–12mm from the tread relative large tensile strain was estimated. In other regions only low strains were obtained. A comparison of the estimated strain distribution with the fracture surface of a broken hoop with comparable wear shows correlation between the strain distribution and the fracture appearance.

Key Words:

• Strain scanning
• Railway wheels
• Radial strain
• Estimated strain