Rail sensor goes ultrasonic to grease the wheels

News

UK engineers are working on an ultrasonic sensor for the rail industry that can detect sections of track where vital lubrication has been worn away.

rail sensor
(Credit: Huddersfield University)

The project is a collaboration between Network Rail, Sheffield SME Tribosonics and Huddersfield University's Institute of Railway Research (IRR) and is funded via the EU’s Shift2Rail programme. Tribosonics will develop the detection system and hardware, with sensor development and testing carried out at the IRR’s HAROLD full-scale bogie test facility. According to the researchers, the sensors will be embedded in the wheels of trains and will allow track conditions to be almost continuously monitored.

Digital sensors to monitor and predict rail faults

Fibre-optic ultrasonic probe promises nanoscale diagnostics

“It is not commonly known outside railway circles, that in curved track, a special type of grease is applied between the wheel and rail,” said IRR assistant director Professor Paul Allen, who developed the concept for the sensor. “This lubrication is applied to reduce wear but also the risk of derailment, whereby in some circumstances the wheel can climb up and over the railhead.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address