Equivalent Conicity for Tracks Project

Together with track layout and geometric quality, the wheel/rail contact geometry has an influence on the dynamic behaviour of railway vehicles, especially on the lateral forces exerted on the track in sharp curves and the bogie stability on straight track. The contact geometry may be described by various parameters, derived from the measurement of both vehicle and track characteristics. As regards bogie stability on straight track, the relevant parameter is the equivalent conicity of the wheel/rail contact, defined in UIC 519.