Development of a New Test-Rig for Wheel-Rail Contact Experiments under Large Slip Conditions

In order to further theoretical and experimental research on adhesion recovery, an innovative new test-rig for wheel-rail contact experiments under large slip conditions was developed. The wheel-on-ring category of test-rig was determined to preserve surface conditions on rail. A scale factor of 1/4 and a circling diameter of 2 m were adopted considering the power limit in the laboratory and wheel-rail contact similarity. The test-rig consisting of wheel assemblies, ring track, gearbox, motors and sprinkler system was specially designed for motor decoupling and precise slip control. Then, the accuracy of slip under PID control was verified by simulation and experimental validation. Thereafter, experimental observations with different speeds, axle loads and surface contaminants showed the potential of the new test-rig for exploring adhesion recovery under various surface conditions.