Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) has investigated various nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods to determine if they are capable of reliably inspecting side frames, bolsters, knuckles, and couplers. The NDI methods used for this investigation include dry and wet (fluorescent) magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, alcohol wipe, visual, ultrasonic (pulse-echo and phased array), and radiography. Inspection results from all methods were used to determine which methods produced repeatable results. From the initial inspection analysis, TTCI engineers determined that the magnetic particle inspection method is the most capable for detecting defects in railroad castings. Further investigation of the magnetic particle technique was completed to develop reliable inspection methods for use on bolsters, side frames, knuckles, and couplers. Each of the inspection techniques have been used for inspections in the field. Using the results of the field tests, procedures were developed by TTCI and submitted to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) Coupling Systems and Truck Castings Committee for review and implementation. The inspection procedures can be used by manufacturers, railroads, and car repair shops. Limitations of the inspection procedures include the amount of time necessary to perform the inspection and the reliability of detecting certain types of defects below the surface of the casting. Although these limitations exist, the procedures developed by TTCI are expected to improve the quality of in-service castings and reduce the number of train partings and derailments due to broken or cracked components.
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2010 Joint Rail Conference
April 27–29, 2010
Urbana, Illinois, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Rail Transportation Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4907-1
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Nondestructive Inspection Methods for Railroad Castings Available to Purchase
Daniel Carter,
Daniel Carter
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo, CO
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Kari Gonzales
Kari Gonzales
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo, CO
Search for other works by this author on:
Daniel Carter
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo, CO
Kari Gonzales
Transportation Technology Center, Inc., Pueblo, CO
Paper No:
JRC2010-36199, pp. 191-201; 11 pages
Published Online:
October 28, 2010
Citation
Carter, D, & Gonzales, K. "Nondestructive Inspection Methods for Railroad Castings." Proceedings of the 2010 Joint Rail Conference. 2010 Joint Rail Conference, Volume 2. Urbana, Illinois, USA. April 27–29, 2010. pp. 191-201. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/JRC2010-36199
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