RAIL CORRUGATION ON NORTH AMERICAN TRANSIT SYSTEMS

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes work which has greatly improved our understanding of the processes by which rail corrugation typically develops on North American Transit systems. Several types of corrugation were identified from observations and measurements in the field. A new mechanism for corrugation formation is proposed for the most common type of corrugation observed, and a mathematical model has accordingly been developed which combines both low frequency and high frequency behaviour of the vehicle/track system. The mathematical model itself, plus results from it and from measurements are discussed here. Novel recommendations for corrugation mitigation are made.