An investigation into the physical, mechanical, tribology, thermal and durability performance of commercial brake material for rail transportation

Abstract

Brake friction materials play a crucial role to enable effective deceleration on the moving rail vehicle. Unfortunately, particulate matters generated by brake wear as well as during the brake manufacturing process are affecting the environment and human health. Due to this, the development of green friction material is important to improve environmental health, safety, and human health. To develop new environmental-friendly friction materials, it is important to understand the commercial brake block material components and their tribological performance. Characterisation techniques such as hardness test, pin-on-disc wear test, durability test, thermogravimetric analysis, morphology, density and porosity were performed on the commercial brake block, the obtained results were then compared with the existing literature. The experiment results showed that the performance of the commercial sample is superior to the available green friction composite materials. This indicates the necessity of a new formulation for the development of green friction brake block material that can give better or similar performance as commercial material. The results from this article can be referenced to develop the new formulation.

Analysis of Asymmetric Wear of Brake Pads on Freight Wagons despite Full Contact between Pad Surface and Wheel

“…In the case of freight wagons, the harmful friction of brake pads occurs due to the slope of the surface of the brake pad making contact with the running surface of wheels when the brake is not engaged. Such friction causes harmful consequences for freight railway transportation [6][7][8]. The train's resistance to movement increases depending on the kilowatts of electricity consumed, resulting in thousands of tons of diesel fuel being wasted.…”

Experimental research on the non-uniform wear of the carbon strip of the metro pantograph

“…In more serious cases, extreme carbon strip wear may damage the pantograph and endanger driving safety. [11][12][13][14] Currently, many studies have examined the pantograph catenary system, their examination of which focused on the friction and wear mechanisms of the system as well as the influencing factors under different working conditions. For example, Csapo 9 used graphite as the friction material and added current between two graphite plates that were rubbed against each other to explore their friction properties.…”

“…In more serious cases, extreme carbon strip wear may damage the pantograph and endanger driving safety. 11–14…”