INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF BRAKING SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS ON THERMAL INPUT TO COMMUTER CAR WHEELS

A heat transfer model, previously developed to estimate wheel rim temperatures during tread braking of MU power cars and validated by comparison with operational test results, is extended and appplied to cases involving several different blended brake system configurations. Preliminary and final system configurations defined by the car owner/operator are evaluated. The ability of the selected option to maintain wheel rim temperatures at safe levels is demonstrated.