Wheel/rail profile studies

The subject of determining the proper profile of either the wheel or rail has long been a source of controversy. Practices have evolved and become common in monitoring the rail profile and keeping it in conformance with researched profiles that offer maximum rail life. However, with the wheel, preventative measures to maintain the accepted profile have not been widely adopted. Burlington Northern Railroad and Loram Maintenance of Way have joined forces to develop an "Automatic Wheel Inspection System" (AWIS). This paper discusses a means of monitoring wheel profiles in order to extend the wheels' useful life.<
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