An Experimental Investigation and Improvement of Insulated Rail Joints

In this study the effect of sliding speed, applied load and period of time on the wear resistance of end post materials of Nylon12 (N12), Nylon66 (N66), Nylon66a (N66a), Epoxy Glass (EG) and Phenolic Resin Bonded Fabric materials were investigated. Wear tests were implemented in dry and wet conditions on a Block-on-Ring apparatus. The tests were carried out at different sliding speeds of 1.5 m/sec., 3.3 m/sec., and 7.2 m/sec., applied loads of 10 N, 30 N and 50 N, and three periods of time 5 min., 30 min. and 60 min. The obtained results in dry condition tests showed that the wear resistance of Nylon and composite materials used in this study decreases with an increase in applied load and sliding speed due to increase in contact temperature. But the impact of these increases in sliding speed and applied load was less on the wear resistance of composite materials. Unexpected results were that in wet test condition for Nylon66 materials where the wear resistance was less compared with the same material in a dry test.