Analysis of rail wear data for evaluation of lubrication performance

Rail-wheel lubrication has become an important strategy to reduce wear, friction and noise especially on curves. Research shows that huge amount of lubrication is wasted during application. The American Association of Railroads (AAR) estimated that the wear and friction occurring at the wheel/rail interface of trains due to ineffective lubrication costs American Railways in excess of US $ 2 billion each year. Therefore, it is important to determine how much lubrication is required for particular curve section to reduce maintenance costs. Analysis of influential factors is important for decision making to reduce maintenance costs and environmental and operational risks. This paper focuses on analysis of rail wear data for evaluation of lubrication performance. Numerical examples are used for illustrations in managerial decisions.