Rail Properties

[musicking1306]

Does anybody know what the materials that rails are made up from as I have to complete a A Level Physics coursework on this subject. I know that that it is made from Carbon steel and made at Tata steel works in Scunthorpe. If anybody knows anything about the alloys that make it more durable then it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cliveblackpool]

Hope this document is helpful. Good luck with your project.
http://www.iorw.org/jobknow4.html

 

[musicking1306]

That helps massively, Thank you.

 

[Class172]

Doesn't the manganese alloy add extra strength to the rail, as otherwise wouldn't it slowly squash out as weight was applied above?

 

[Boodiggy]

Network Rail are now using HP (High Performance) Rail at specific locations. It is harder wearing and is meant to reduce RCF / GCC and require a lower grinding frequency.

 

[Ediswan]

Does anybody know what the materials that rails are made up from as I have to complete a A Level Physics coursework on this subject.

There are at least two ways to take that question. You may get marks for a good answer to the less obvious way. Best to check before trying though.

1: What are new rails made of ?

2: What are the rails you run over every day made of ?

Answer 2 could be very different to answer 1. Rail can last a long time. Chances are some of Merthyr's finest is still in use somewhere.

 

[musicking1306]

There are at least two ways to take that question. You may get marks for a good answer to the less obvious way. Best to check before trying though.

1: What are new rails made of ?

2: What are the rails you run over every day made of ?

Answer 2 could be very different to answer 1. Rail can last a long time. Chances are some of Merthyr's finest is still in use somewhere.

2. What are the rails that you run over ever day made of? ,I am looking into the materials properties and what alloys give the rail its properties, for my A Level coursework.