The effect of bidirectional traffic on the microstructure, mechanical properties and rolling contact fatigue defect formation of rail material

On the railway line between Zutphen and Hengelo in the Netherlands, rolling contact fatigue (RCF) defects are found at the surface of the rail. RCF is a known hazard to the safe operation of railways, the cracks can cause transverse rail fracture, which may result in derailment. Contrary to convention, the traffic on this particular railway is...