Wheel flange/rail gauge corner contact lubrication: Tribological investigations

▶ The natural third body is quickly mixed with the active flange lubricant, resulting in a mixture. ▶ The mixture can be considered as the “real” lubricant of the contact. ▶ A mixture in a stable state contains (sub)micrometric particles mixed with initial oil. ▶ A mixture in the stable state and a smooth surface are associated with low friction coefficient.