RCF and wear in theory and practice-The influence of rail grade on wear and RCF

▶ Tests of different pearlitic and bainitic rail grades on a full scale rail wheel test rig. ▶ With increased pearlitic steel quality (increased Brinell hardness) the RCF and wear resistance is increased. ▶ Bainitic rail steels show a maximum of RCF resistance but wear resistance is reduced compared to pearlitic steels with the same Brinell hardness. ▶ Track test results show the same trends but due to some significant differences between track and rig conditions the absolute values differ.