Research of the draw hook failures on rail vehicles in Serbia

Abstract

Draw hook failures present significant problems for railway safety and operational efficiency. Although failures on the draw gear are not frequent, they can induce serious problems on the vehicles and infrastructure when some elements break. This paper presents comprehensive research on the potential causes of these failures, aiming to provide insights for prevention measures related to materials, production process, geometry and manipulation practices during train operation. The draw hook, as one of the vital components in connections of wagons and locomotives, ensures the safety and reliability of trains during operation. By analyzing the historical failure data and relevant literature, this study identifies several key factors contributing to coupler failures. Material degradation emerges as a prominent concern, with factors such as fatigue, wear, and corrosion compromising the structural integrity of the coupler hook and other components over time. Overloading during starting, impacts, or improper coupling procedures further increase the risk of failures. Mechanical and physical characteristics of used material, as well as geometric inconsistencies, may also induce failure under operational conditions. Environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, moisture ingress, and chemical exposure, pose additional challenges by accelerating material degradation and corrosion processes. Understanding the complex interaction of these factors is crucial for developing effective preventive maintenance strategies and for addressing and improving observed imperfections in draw gear elements. Implementing the results from this research can help railway operators and manufacturers of subjected elements mitigate the risk of failures, thereby ensuring the continued reliability and safety of rail transportation systems.