Seizure and wear rate testing of wheel-rail contacts under lubricated conditions using pin-on-disc methodology

The results of the pin-on-disc testing indicate that both the amount and type of lubrication applied is decisive for the wear rate and active wear mechanism. Tests have also been performed to simulate either on-board or wayside lubrication, by applying the lubricant at different intervals. A general observation is that under starved lubrication conditions a transition to severe wear is initiated and the wear rate increases rapidly, i.e., all tests indicate that the contact between wheel and rail must be lubricated to avoid high wear rates.