I wonder how they cope in countries with a far greater temperature range, such as Hungary? Perhaps the steel used for the rails has a different composition - could it have a lower coefficient of expansion?
I wonder how they cope in countries with a far greater temperature range, such as Hungary? Perhaps the steel used for the rails has a different composition - could it have a lower coefficient of expansion?
The variation in the coefficient over the range of common steel alloys is quite small, so I would think that this difference will not be significant, amounting to about 40 mm in 1km of free unballasted rail over a temperature range of, say, 40K, and rather less in an actual installation (if my thumbnail arithmetic is correct).
Network Rail are reassuring the public that railways are safe, but I expect they are concerned.
The reports on these two derailments will be interesting (if technical) reading.
Might not end up being technical, perhaps more about assurance, EWATs etc
Indeed, but there must surely be a fair amount of technical and/or scientific detail.
True, but I was just wondering what the main focus of the report will be.
Yes, I see. As you say, there will no doubt be a good deal of reassurance.
Railways have a very good safety record these days, but this is sometimes overlooked by the popular press.
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The variation in the coefficient over the range of common steel alloys is quite small, so I would think that this difference will not be significant, amounting to about 40 mm in 1km of free unballasted rail over a temperature range of, say, 40K, and rather less in an actual installation (if my thumbnail arithmetic is correct).
True, but I was just wondering what the main focus of the report will be.
Yes, I see. As you say, there will no doubt be a good deal of reassurance.
Railways have a very good safety record these days, but this is sometimes overlooked by the popular press.