Influence of low temperature environment on the adhesion characteristics of wheel-rail contact

The effects of low temperature on the adhesion coefficient under both dry and degraded adhesion conditions are investigated using a rolling-sliding apparatus. The results indicate that the adhesion coefficient would be improved at low temperatures under dry condition for weakened surface oxidation. In both room- and low-temperature environments, water, oil and antifreeze decrease the adhesion coefficient to a low level. Low temperature prolongs the adhesion recovery process under water conditions. The recovery process of the adhesion coefficient has not been observed under oil condition, except at −40 °C. The adhesion recovery process under antifreeze condition is considerably longer than that under water condition; the longest process is at 0 °C, while the shortest is at −40 °C.