State Before and After Grinding
Before grinding, the surface of the rail under the curve showed an irregular and intermittent block drop phenomenon, and the depth of these blocks was between 4 and 4 mm. At the same time, the top of the rail showed a flat and concave wear pattern, which undoubtedly affected the normal use of the rail. The block drops and the flattened wear pattern were the visible results of rolling contact fatigue and uneven contact, and they degraded both the running quality and the rail life.
After professional grinding, the surface of the rail of the lower rail of the curve presents a brand new look. The block drop phenomenon has been effectively controlled, and its depth is controlled within 4 mm, ensuring the integrity and safety of the rail. At the same time, the flat and concave wear patterns of the rail top have also been significantly improved, and the contact light band width is accurately controlled between 30 and 40 mm, showing a reasonable distribution state. The grinding removes the damaged surface layer and restores the design profile of the rail head.
State One Month After Grinding
After one month of use, the excellent state of the lower rail after grinding has been further consolidated. No new block drop phenomenon has occurred, and its depth remains within 4 mm, verifying the durability of the grinding effect. At the same time, the flat and concave wear patterns of the rail top remain stable, and the contact light band width is still precisely controlled between 30 and 40 mm. The one-month observation confirms that the restored profile is compatible with the wheel contact.
State Three Months After Grinding
After three months of continuous observation, the excellent status of the lower rail after grinding is still maintained. No new damage has appeared, and its surface state remains smooth without obvious unevenness. At the same time, the wear morphology of the rail top part remains stable, and the width of the contact light band is still controlled within a reasonable range of 30 to 40 mm. This series of stable performance further confirms the significant role of grinding technology in improving rail performance and extending its service life.
The Mechanism of the Effect
The effect of grinding comes from the restoration of the wheel-rail contact geometry. The correct profile spreads the contact stress evenly across the rail head, eliminating the localized high stress that caused the block drops and the wear pattern. The controlled light band width indicates that the contact patch is centered and stable, which minimizes further damage and extends the rail life.
Verification in Service
The grinding effect is verified by the subsequent service observation: no new block drops, stable profile and a controlled light band. The observation program continues beyond the initial period to track the long-term effect, and the results guide the timing of the next preventive grinding. The documented effect provides the basis for the grinding program of the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the state of the rail before grinding? The surface of the lower rail under the curve showed an irregular and intermittent block drop phenomenon, with depths up to 4 mm, together with a flat concave wear pattern on the rail top.
What does the contact light band indicate? The position and distribution of the wheel-rail contact patch, showing where the wheel actually contacts the rail head after the profile has been restored.
What light band width is achieved? Between 30 and 40 mm, showing a reasonable distribution of the contact across the rail head after grinding.
How long does the grinding effect last? t least three months in the documented observation program. One month and three months after grinding, no new block drops or damage appeared and the surface remained smooth.
Why does grinding extend rail life? Grinding restores the wheel-rail contact geometry, which spreads the contact stress evenly across the rail head and eliminates the localized high stress that causes new damage.
