NTL Record

Title Prevention of Roller Bearing-Initiated Burnoffs in Railroad Freight Car Journals
Record ID 50249
Personal Name
Creator
Allen, G. E.; Lucas, J. R.; Tomlinson, F. H.
Source 284p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publication Date 19790101
Language English
Abstract The objective of this program was to determine the technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of constructing three separate devices for the prevention of catastrophic roller bearing-initiated, railroad journal failure. 1. Construction of a low cost axle cap bolt which would replace one of the three bolts in a standard bearing assembly, and which would contain a self-powered, maintenance free transmitter to signal a train crew in the event of roller bearing overtemperature, was proven feasible. This is technically and economically superior to current wayside temperature sensing devices, and has the capability of preventing burnoffs associated with bearing failure by any mechanism. 2. The prevention of bearing overlubrication by use of automated ultrasonic test methods was seen to be feasible. Use of such a device in a railroad repair track would prevent regreasing a freshly greased bearing and thereby save the costs of setouts and derailments caused by overlubrication. 3. The early detection of bearing component damage (spalling, brinelling, and particulate contamination) by use of "Shock Pulse Analysis" techniques was also seen to be feasible. Use of an automated device in a railroad wheel shop could save the costs of burnoffs associated with progressive damage, and also of investigative bearing teardown as a result of derailment.
Rosap ID dot:11641
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/11641
TRT Terms Axles; High temperature; Hot box detectors; Journal bearings; Journal boxes; Lubrication; Mechanical failure; Radio transmitters; Roller bearings; Sensors; Ultrasonic tests; Warning devices
Classification AGR - INFRASTRUCTURE - Railroads;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - RAIL TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Vehicle Design;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number FRA/ORD-78-16; DOT-TSC-FRA-79-5
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/50000/50200/50249/DOT-TSC-FRA-79-05.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository