Rail wear under heavy traffic conditions

The life of rail in curves under heavy traffic densities and loads is governed either by rail failures or wear. Basic forms of rail wear including rail gage face wear and surface fatigue forms of wear are described and illustrated by metallograph-ical and scanning electron micrographs. The influence of improved rail metallurgical properties and lubrication on wear reduction is discussed. Potential savings arising from the usage of rail with improved metallurgy are estimated.