A survey of lubrication techniques of railway switches and crossings
Résumé
Lubrication is an important technique in railway infrastructure maintenance. It aims to reduce the friction and wear between contacting surfaces in relative motion. Such friction management activities are not only applied to rolling stocks but also to the surrounding systems such as catenaries and tracks. However, the factors pertaining to lubrication vary greatly from different systems, depending on friction mechanism, load, environment, etc. This paper aims to review the state of the art of the lubrication for switches and crossings (S&Cs) - the weak points in railway track systems. Theoretical and technical issues relative to existing lubricants, lubricating techniques and equipment are discussed. The information gathered provides research and technical reference for S&C lubrication.