Thermal Analysis of Railroad Bearings: Effect of Wheel Heating

Authors

Lariza A. Navarro, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Constantine M. Tarawneh

Second Advisor

Dr. Arturo Fuentes

Third Advisor

Dr. Javier Kypuros

Abstract

Catastrophic bearing failure is a major concern for the railroad industry because it can lead to costly train stoppages. Excessive heat buildup within the bearing is one of the main factors that can warn of impending failure. The work presented in this thesis is motivated by the need to understand the heat transfer paths to the bearing when wheel heating occurs. A series of experiments and finite element analyses were conducted in order to quantify the different heat transfer mechanisms, with emphasis on radiation. The results indicate that the effect of thermal radiation is minimal when the wheel tread temperature is at 135°C, does not exceed 24°C when the wheel is at 315°C, and is 39°C when the wheel is at 482°C.

Comments

Copyright 2010 Lariza A. Navarro. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/thermal-analysis-railroad-bearings-effect-wheel/docview/726039193/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American