Nowadays, a sector that is expanding is railroad transportation. In the development and use of railroad technology, bearings are also essential. High carrying capacity and safety performance are required for approaches utilized in the railroad sector. Due to diverse application circumstances, the wheel axle system for a railway, a locomotive, and rolling stock has a different structural design. Axle boxes are a feature of both locomotives and passenger vehicles, and it is through the axle box that the bearings are linked to the bogie. The approaches are connected through the saddle, and rail freight wagons lack axle boxes. The bearings are designed to withstand abrasive conditions, stress, changing loads, and high temperatures.
Here are various types of bearings, each used for specific purposes and designed to carry specific types of loads
Axle bearing on rolling stock:
Axle bearings on rolling stock are susceptible to radial impact loads from rail joints, switches, and occasionally tyre flats in addition to static and moving radial loads from the vehicle's weight. Because trains sometimes travel on curved rails or snaking, they are susceptible to axial loads brought on by lateral movement. When these loads are combined, they create intricate patterns that affect the axle bearings. In addition to the dimensional specifications of the axle journal and bearing box shape, complex load circumstances must also be considered when designing axle bearings.
RCT Bearing (Sealed-Clean Rotating End Cap Tapered Roller Bearings):
Eliminating bearing difficulty and extending maintenance intervals depend on preventing grease breakdown, leakage, and contamination with water and other foreign substances. Undoubtedly, roller bearings seals provide the most effective means of achieving these goals. RCT bearings feature cutting-edge sealing systems and are tightly integrated with their surroundings. They provide exceptional performance, toughness, and handling ease. The Association will have the approval for freight car axles, which have since gained widespread acceptance worldwide. RCT bearings have a long history of usage as axle bearings for container cars, earning a positive reputation among customers for their superior durability and performance.
Bearings on traction motors:
Operating under challenging circumstances such as high radial and axial loads, high impact loads, high speed, and protracted periods of continued use is beneficial. High-strength cages are used, and the inner and outer rings are heated to stabilize their dimensions. In order to prevent linear bearings and rails South Africa, the outer rings' outside surfaces and both end faces are coated with ceramic or a heat-resistant resin. NSK created ceramic-coated and insulated bearings with PPS-resin coating to stop electric pitting. Insulated ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings are frequently used in traction motors.
Tapered Roller Bearing:
Due to the simultaneous carrying of radial and axial loads by tapered roller bearings, the bearing and its surrounding components can be designed compactly. It is preferred to use the back-to-back arrangement, which offers a long distance between load centres, for rolling stock axle applications when heavy moment loads are anticipated. The big rib of the rollers' inner ring receives some weight when they are moving under pressure. The rib serves as a guide for the rollers and maintains sliding contact with it. Because of this, these ball bearings have a higher friction coefficient than cylindrical bearings.
Summing it up:
From the above mentioned, railway bearings provide different types based on their friction. Bearing Centre offers practical solutions and bearings that satisfy the demands of railway applications to have more quality bearings. The bearings are specifically made to withstand abrasive conditions, stress, changing loads, and high temperatures.
Today GRP Gratings are use various types in railways. There is several components are available. Here get the idea about the GRP Grating use in Railways.
