Abstract
This paper presents the experimental and model results of the response of an alternating current field measurement (ACFM) sensor to clusters of rolling contact fatigue (RCF) cracks typical of those found in rails and rail wheels. Both artificial and real cracks occurring in rails taken from service are considered. Currently, commercially available ACFM software is capable of producing an estimate of crack pocket length for isolated cracks, assuming they are regularly shaped. The results presented are part of continuing work to link the ACFM signal to the whole range of complex shaped RCF cracks that appear in rail and rail wheels, including those appearing in clusters. The challenges in accurately sizing clustered RCF cracks using the ACFM technique are discussed.
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