Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-28 Origin: Site
Wheel flange wear is a critical issue in railway maintenance, directly affecting operational safety and efficiency. Progressive wear can degrade vehicle performance and introduce significant safety hazards.
Key Impacts of Excessive Flange Wear
1.Increased Derailment Risk
· On Curves: Worn flanges reduce the wheel's vertical overlap on the rail (flange depth). This decrease significantly increases the risk of wheel climb derailment, especially on sharp curves.
· On Straight Tracks: Excessive wear leads to increased lateral clearance, resulting in greater lateral oscillation (hunting), which compromises running stability.
2.Accelerated Component Degradation
As the flange wears, its profile often conforms to the rail gauge face. This increases contact area, leading to higher rolling resistance and accelerated wear on both components.
3.Hazards in Switch Areas
Flanges with outward wear can press tightly against the stock rail, potentially causing the wheel to damage the switch blade. Severe conditions like flange burrs or spalling can directly gouge switch components, posing a derailment risk.
Mandatory Maintenance and Rectification Standards
To ensure safety, strict limits are placed on allowable flange wear.
· Replacement Criteria: A wheelset must be replaced immediately if the flange thickness is below the minimum limit or the vertical flange height wear exceeds 15 mm.
· Repair Process: If wear is beyond acceptable limits but has not yet triggered replacement criteria, the wheel profile must be restored through reprofiling (turning) on a lathe.
Conclusion
Proactive management of wheel flange wear is fundamental to railway safety. Through regular inspection, timely reprofiling, and strict adherence to replacement standards, operators can ensure vehicle stability, extend component service life, and maintain the highest levels of safety and reliability.
