Accurately replicate the dynamic interaction of railway and rolling stock wheel sets in controlled and repeatable laboratory settings.
The first-of-its-kind MTS Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) System is engineered to drive complete rolling stock wheel sets over corresponding rail to replicate surface and sub-surface wear and other aspects of rolling contact fatigue. Data gained from these laboratory simulations enable engineers to test rail and wheel set performance, damage and wear; validate computer models; accurately predict wheel set and rail life cycles; understand the implications of different materials and geometries on steering and durability; and minimize potential risks and maintenance costs.
The laboratory-based RCF System employs a fixed wheel set, moving rail carriage, high-fidelity sensors, versatile controls, and state-of-the-art test application software to accurately and efficiently simulate real-world rail and wheel contact.
The laboratory-based RCF System employs a fixed wheel set, moving rail carriage, high-fidelity sensors, versatile controls, and state-of-the-art test application software to accurately and efficiently simulate real-world rail and wheel contact.
A Rigidly-Mounted (Fixed) Wheel Set with integrated 6DOF load cell enables highly accurate measurement of all loads directly where they are reacted. Wheel set rotation is supplied by a hydraulic drive capable of 4000 n-m.
A Moving Rail Carriage employs an array of vertical, longitudinal, and lateral linear hydraulic actuators to drive rail specimens of varying types and geometries under and against rotating wheel sets to simulate both straight and curved rolling.
FlexTest® Controls & RPC® Connect Software ensure test accuracy and productivity by enabling the precise synchronization of rail and wheel set positions, and maximizing constant-velocity zone duration during uni- or bi-directional rolling.
