Improving the efficiency of the “wheel — rail” friction system

Relevance of the topic of increasing the efficiency of the “wheel — rail” friction system is considered. It is shown that the main condition for a significant optimization of the interaction processes in the “wheel — rail” system is the use of scientifically based technologies and technical means for lubrication of a dynamically loaded open friction pair. Basic requirements for the characteristics of lubricants is used in the open “wheel — rail” friction system. Authors named lubricants that meet the stated requirements. The main disadvantages of the remote method of supplying liquid and/or plastic lubricants in the “wheel — rail” system are presented as argument. Examples are given. The article describes technology of contact rota-print rod lubricating system “GRS — RAPS” and its advantages over analogues, as well as the experience of industrial implementation and operation of this technology. Based on the experience of using the “GRS — RAPS” technology in various climatic zones and operating modes, work was carried out on its adaptation and development, in particular, the tribological properties of rod lubricants were improved, the volumes of one-time refueling were increased, the drive of lubricating rods was optimized. All this allows increasing the effectiveness of this technology in 5 – 7 times. Equipment for freight locomotives is provided with metal-plating systems for working surfaces of wheelsets. Total traction capacity of freight locomotives, if all other things being equal, increases by 15 – 20 %, while protecting wheel flanges of locomotives from wear and improves the braking characteristics of the train. A new concept of building a system for the lubrication of the “wheel — rail”contact zone on the basis of a modernized and improved “GRS — RAPS” technology and technology for modifying (metal-plating) working surfaces has been proposed. Potential economic effect from the comprehensive implementation of the proposed technology is estimated taking into account the existing economic conditions.