The Use of Steering AXLE Suspensions to Reduce Wheel and Rail Wear in Curves

Abstract

This paper reviews a number of methods of improving railway vehicle suspensions in order to overcome problems of excessive wheel flange and rail wear in sharp curves. Means of implementing such ideas are discussed for a variety of railway operations, including freight and rapid transit systems. It is shown that this approach is an attractive alternative to the traditional remedy of flange/rail lubrication in a wide range of practical situations.