title: Numerical study for a new methodology of flaws detection in train axles.
abstract: Train loads and travel speeds have increased over time, requiring more efficient non-destructive inspection methods. Railway axles are critical elements; despite being designed to last more than 20 years several cases of premature failure have been recorded. Train axles are inspected regularly, but the limits associated to the traditional inspection technologies create a growing interest towards new solutions. Here a novel non-destructive inspection method of in-service axles based on non-contact data collection is presented. The propagation of surface waves, generated by a thermo-elastic laser source, is investigated using a finite element method based on dynamic explicit integration. Coupled thermo-mechanical simulations allow visualization of the ultrasonic field guiding the definition of the optimal NDT setup. The geometry of the axle and of the elements mounted on it is accurately reproduced; moreover the press fit effect caused by the wheel and the bearing rings is implemented. The current NDT techniques for railway axles require removing wheels and other components from the axle. The presented scheme uses non-contact ultrasonic generation and detection allowing non-contact in-service inspection of railway axles at trackside station. The numerical results are promising and encourage us to test the new approach experimentally.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering (EEE), University of Strathclyde, 204 George St., Glasgow G1 1XW, UK. Electronic address: carmelo.mineo@strath.ac.uk.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mineo
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, Gestionale, Informatica, Meccanica (DICGIM), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cerniglia
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, Gestionale, Informatica, Meccanica (DICGIM), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pantano
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008420:Manufactured Materials / Q000032:analysis*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011890:Railroads / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*
keywords: Laser ultrasound; Numerical method; Railway axle