Top-of-Rail Lubricants: Potential Risks and Benefits

Abstract

Top-of-rail (TOR) lubricants represent modern approach for friction modification between wheel and rail. The main goal of this study was to investigate potential risks and benefits associated with the application of these products, especially in terms of adhesion, wear, and noise. For this purpose, both laboratory and field experiments were carried out.

Keywords

• adhesion
• corrugation
• rail-wheel tribology
• squeal noise
• top-of-rail lubricant
• wear