Work

Possibility of High-Speed Ultrasonic Detection of the Internal Material Defects in Rails

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Quick and reliable in situ non-destructive assessment of the material structure is especially critical in the case of measurement of rail defects concerning the demands of quick, uninterrupted transportation and safety. This paper presents the test results of a patented measuring head that is able to perform ultrasonic rail defect detection at speeds of up to 120 km/h. The experimental data was collected and discussed. Statistical analysis was performed in terms of bottom echo drop as a function of velocity, pressing force, and film thickness between the sensor and the rail material surface, as well as the coupling fluid stream intensity. The results proved the feasibility of the device for usage at high speeds for the state monitoring of rails in service.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma19010028

Authors: Leszek Chałko, Łukasz Antolik, Mirosław Rucki, Miroslav Trochta

Institutions: Kazimierz Pułaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, Instytut Kolejnictwa, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava

Language: English

Topic: Ultrasonics and Acoustic Wave Propagation

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137