Evaluating the stress intensity factor for R350HT rail steel in relation to microstructure parameters

• Autorzy: Żak Sylwester , Junak Grzegorz , Woźniak Dariusz , Żak Artur , Chmiela Bartosz , Jabłońska Magdalena Barbara

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.12913/22998624/200404

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The study highlights the advancement of rail transport, focusing on the distinct requirements of high-speed passenger transit and robust freight operations. Passenger rails emphasize geometric precision, such as straightness and minimal dimensional deviation, to reduce vibrations and improve safety and comfort. Freight rails, in contrast, require exceptional durability to withstand high axial loads, plastic deformation, and abrasive wear due to heavy tonnage. A key parameter for all rail types is the stress intensity factor (KIc), which ensures rail integrity by preventing crack propagation. The study confirmed that tested rail types (60E2, 54E4, and 49E1) meet the EN 13674-1 standard for mechanical properties, indicating effective heat treatment. Residual stress levels were found to be low, particularly in lighter rails, enhancing resistance to brittle fracture. All rails exhibited a fine, fully pearlitic microstructure with cementite lamellae spacing between 92 and 106 nm, contributing to mechanical strength and durability. The low residual stress and high KIc support extended rail life and safety, as larger critical crack sizes minimize fracture risk. These findings underline the reliability and safety of rail materials under operational conditions, with consistent pearlitic structures and optimized stress properties ensuring robust performance.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

microstructure; strain; stress intensity factor; heat treatment; pearlite; interlamellar spacing

• Wydawca: Lublin University of Technology ; Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE), Branch of PTIE in Lublin
• Czasopismo: Advances in Science and Technology. Research Journal
• Rocznik: 2025
• Tom: Vol. 19, no. 4
• Strony: 349–364
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 35 poz., fig., tab.

Twórcy

autor

Żak Sylwester

• ArcelorMittal Poland S.A. Branch in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Aleja Józefa Piłsudskiego 92, 41-303 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland

autor

Junak Grzegorz

• Faculty of Materials Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Zygmunta Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland

autor

Woźniak Dariusz

• Center for Metallurgical Technologies, Łukasiewicz Research Network - Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, ul. Karola Miarki 12-14, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

autor

Żak Artur

• Center for Metallurgical Technologies, Łukasiewicz Research Network - Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, ul. Karola Miarki 12-14, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

autor

Chmiela Bartosz

• Faculty of Materials Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Zygmunta Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland

• https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7082-875X

autor

Jabłońska Magdalena Barbara

• Center for Advanced Material Technologies, Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals, Sowińskiego 5, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

• https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3807-9266

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Uwagi

Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr POPUL/SP/0154/2024/02 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki II" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki (2025).