Materials for Heavy Haul Solid Wheels: New Experiences

Abstract

Shelling and spalling are typical defects that represent a significant cost for heavy haul industry. In order to reduce the effects of shelling and spalling, LucchiniRS proposes new criteria for designing materials. Traditional and innovative materials used for heavy haul solid wheels are discussed, with particular attention to their metallurgical, mechanical, fatigue, and fracture toughness characteristics, according to these new criteria. Two new maps were presented for a better understanding of the material's behaviour in general and the rolling contact fatigue resistance in particular. The feedback from service collected until now, mainly in terms of total wheel life, is presented for standard and innovative steel grades for solid wheels in heavy haul.