Reaserch on Measurement of Residual Stresses in Flash-Butt-Weld Rails Using X-Ray Diffraction

Abstract

The residual stress,which is unavoidable in the process of flash-butt-weld rails,plays important roles in the service life of the railway rails.However,knowledge of magnitude,direction,and sign of the residual stress is useful for maintenance and failure prevention.In this paper,we measured the residual stresses in the flash-butt weld of the U71Mn railway rail,using X-ray diffraction method.Besides,we investigated the influence of grinding on residual surface stress.This investigation showed that residual stress generated by grinding could be removed by electro-polishing,we also found that there was longitudinal compressive stress in the foot and head region,while the web region presented tensile stress,and in the transverse position,all of the three regions existed both compressive and tensile stress.