The wheel–rail interface is the area of contact between
wheel
A wheel is a circular component that is intended to rotate on an axle Bearing (mechanical), bearing. The wheel is one of the key components of the wheel and axle which is one of the Simple machine, six simple machines. Wheels, in conjunction wi ...
s and
rails
Rail or rails may refer to:
Rail transport
*Rail transport and related matters
*Rail (rail transport) or railway lines, the running surface of a railway
Arts and media Film
* ''Rails'' (film), a 1929 Italian film by Mario Camerini
* ''Rail'' ( ...
of
railways
Rail transport (also known as train transport) is a means of transport that transfers passengers and goods on wheeled vehicles running on rails, which are incorporated in tracks. In contrast to road transport, where the vehicles run on a pre ...
. The interaction between wheel and rail is a specialized subject covering the design and management of the high stresses in the small contact area between a steel wheel and steel rail. The focus is on safety improvement, maintenance and replacement costs reduction, downtime reduction, and energy and environmental management.
The surface of the wheel that rests on the rail is known as the tread. Wheels may have either a single flange on the gauge side of the rail or two flanges, one on each side of the rail.
References
Permanent way
Train wheels
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