High Speed Rail IDEA Project 55 [Completed (IDEA)]
Characterization of Rail Surface Condition
Project Data
Funds:
$91,000
Staff Responsibility:
Chuck Taylor
Completion Date:
12/1/2007
Fiscal Year:
2006
This is a project to investigate the use of guided ultrasonic waves to detect and characterize surface and subsurface defects in rail. An ultrasonic pulse is introduced into the rail using an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). This pulse travels down the rail and interacts with rail defects, ends, cold-worked layers, and various surface conditions. Upon encountering one of these discontinuities, a portion of the wave will be reflected back to the transducer. The amount of energy reflected will depend upon the size and shape of the defect. An analysis of the returned signal is then performed to identify and characterize the defect. The system would be mounted on a track inspection vehicle such as a hi-rail truck and would theoretically be able to operate at speeds up to 25mph.
