Rail thermite (or Thermit) welding is a valuable welding technology for the railway industry because of its simplicity, portability, and economy. Using the finite-element method, a heat transfer analysis is conducted in this study. Only the heat transfer by conduction was simulated explicitly in the model, the other thermally significant phenomena were included through the boundary and initial ...

To have a safe and reliable railway system, nondestructive testing (NDT) methods are necessary to be implemented in order to avoid catastrophic failures. NDT methods also provide a powerful tool for proper maintenance of valuable railway system assets. Among various NDT methods, ultrasonic testing (UT) along with magnetic particle testing (MPT) and eddy current testing (ECT) play significant ro...

The A.C. Field Measurement technique was originally developed as a non-contacting version of the A.C. Potential Drop technique, with the aim of accurately measuring the depth of surface-breaking fatigue cracks at welds underwater. Since then, the technique has expanded into many diverse applications, both underwater and in air. This paper describes the evolution of ACFM equipment from the first...

The growth of fatigue cracks in rail is a cause of ongoing concern to the railway industry, and much research and development work has been conducted to develop both trackside and train mounted analysis systems which are able to monitor the structural health of railway networks. To this end a new infrared-based method for surface crack quantification at conventional train speeds is being develo...

This paper details the field-testing approach and results of thermite welds used in railway applications. Rail steels made from R260 grades are welded by two different processes: standard process according to European standards, a recent technology. Welds introduced same testing location ensure comparable loading conditions aim studying their degradation behaviours. The total testing-period is ...

Pipelines are pressure vessels. Their enviable safety record compares weil with other transportation modes. Typical pipeline fatality rates are about 1% those of rail or air which are, in turn, about 1% of highway fatalities. Pipeline safety is first assured by rigorous inspection during pipe manufacture and line construction. All welds are inspected using radiography to detect voids and ultras...

this paper aims at investigating the effects of weld nugget size and expulsion on the mechanical properties of low carbon steel resistance spot welds using tensile-shear test. mechanical performance of spot welds are described in terms of failure mode, peak load and failure energy obtained from the tensile-shear test. the effects of voids and porosity as well as electrode indentation associated...

The homopolar pulse welding process uses a single unidirectional, high current electrical pulse from a homopolar generator to heat the interface between two workpieces in solid contact. When the interface reaches an optimum temperature, forging pressure is applied, and the workpieces coalesce without melting and without use of either a flux or a filler. The weld is completed in from 1 to 2 s. B...