A Comparison of Railroad Axle Stress Results Using Different Design Sizes, Loading Criteria and Analysis Methods

Abstract

Abstract Although railroad axles do not often fail in North American freight service, they remain a critical component. This paper presents the results of stress analysis calculations that were performed for various different North American freight railroad axle designs. Loading criteria appropriate for the various axle designs were used, and different methods of axle stress analysis are compared and contrasted. Results are reviewed and discussed. Also, the authors propose that a standard axle stress analysis method be adopted by the North American freight railway industry for new axle designs, particularly for those axles to be used at increased gross rail loads (GRL).