A Novel Method to Measure Flange Thickness and Rim Width of Wheel Sets on Line

The flange thickness and rim width of the wheel sets are key parameters which ensure the train security. This paper proposes a novel real-time method to measure flange thickness and rim width of wheel sets based on laser displacement sensors. Three laser displacement sensors are cramped on the steel rails. The light of sensors travels through the slit between rails, reaching a point which is 12mm below the wheel set tread. The flange thickness and rim width can be measured by three laser displacement sensors together. This non-contact method realize dynamic and real-time measurement of the wheel sets parameters. The measurement error is 0.2mm, which meet rail industry standards.