Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Tensile and compressive stresses generated during the exploitation of wheel rims can lead to significant failures, posing risks to safety and the environment. Among non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods, ultrasonic velocity measurement has become widely used for assessing stress states in critical rail vehicle components such as wheel rims. In this study, the relationship between ultrasonic wave velocity and applied compressive stresses in aluminum (EN AW-2011) and austenitic stainless steel (1.4301) specimens is investigated. The methodology integrates ultrasonic time-of-flight (TOF) measurements with controlled mechanical loading up to the elastic limit. The results show that ultrasonic velocity increases with applied compressive stress, with an average change of approximately 40 m/s between unloaded and maximum loading conditions. The material type was identified as the dominant factor, with velocity differences of up to 800 m/s between aluminum and steel, while the applied load contributed changes of approximately 200 m/s. Statistical analysis using Design of Experiments (DOE) and ANOVA confirmed the significance of all main factors (p < 0.0001). The findings demonstrate the sensitivity of ultrasonic velocity to elastic stress states and provide a quantitative basis for the development of reliable in situ ultrasonic stress monitoring systems in rail applications.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app16094106
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funder: Interreg
OpenAlex ID: W7155369859
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