It’s a common question that has intrigued many people for years. The simple answer is friction between the wheels of the train and the rails. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what keeps railroad trains on the tracks.
Friction is the Key
As mentioned earlier, friction is the main force that keeps trains on the tracks. The weight of the train, combined with the force exerted by the engine, pushes the wheels against the rails, creating friction. This friction acts as a binding force, keeping the train on the tracks.
It’s important to note that the force of friction is proportional to the weight of the train. This means that heavier trains require more friction to stay on the tracks. To ensure that trains can maintain the required amount of friction, the rails are made with a specific profile.
The Profile of the Rails
The profile of the rails plays a significant role in ensuring that the trains stay on track. The rails are designed with a slight inward slope towards the center of the track. This is called the rail cant. The purpose of this slope is to counteract the centrifugal force that occurs when the train is moving around a curve.
The centrifugal force tries to push the train off the tracks and towards the outside of the curve. However, the rail cant ensures that the train stays on the tracks by providing an equal and opposite force to the centrifugal force.
The Wheels of the Train
The wheels of the train are specially designed to maintain the required amount of friction. The wheels are made with a conical shape, with the diameter of the wheel being larger at the center and smaller at the edges. This shape ensures that the wheels maintain a constant speed, resulting in consistent friction between the wheels and the rails.
In addition, the wheels are designed with a flange. The flange is a raised section on the inside of the wheel that keeps the train on the tracks when going around curves. However, contrary to popular belief, the flange is not responsible for keeping the train on the tracks. In fact, the flange only comes into contact with the rails when the train is going around a curve at high speed. In normal circumstances, the flange doesn’t touch the rails.
The Suspension System
The suspension system of the train also plays a critical role in ensuring that the train stays on the tracks. The suspension system helps to absorb the shock and vibrations of the train as it moves along the rails. This helps to maintain the stability of the train and reduces the risk of derailment.
The suspension system is typically made up of springs and dampers. The springs absorb the shock of the train, while the dampers help to reduce the vibrations. The suspension system is designed to keep the train level and stable, even when going around curves or over uneven tracks.
In Conclusion
So, what keeps the railroad trains on the tracks? In summary, it’s a combination of factors, including the force of friction, the profile of the rails, the design of the wheels, and the suspension system of the train. All these factors work together to ensure that trains can operate safely and efficiently.
It’s clear that a lot of engineering and design goes into keeping trains on the tracks, and it’s always fascinating to learn about the details that make it all possible.
Railroad Train On Tracks
What keeps the railroad trains on the tracks?
It’s a common question that has intrigued many people for years. The simple answer is friction between the wheels of the train and the rails. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what keeps railroad trains on the tracks.
Friction is the Key
As mentioned earlier, friction is the main force that keeps trains on the tracks. The weight of the train, combined with the force exerted by the engine, pushes the wheels against the rails, creating friction. This friction acts as a binding force, keeping the train on the tracks.
It’s important to note that the force of friction is proportional to the weight of the train. This means that heavier trains require more friction to stay on the tracks. To ensure that trains can maintain the required amount of friction, the rails are made with a specific profile.
The Profile of the Rails
The profile of the rails plays a significant role in ensuring that the trains stay on track. The rails are designed with a slight inward slope towards the center of the track. This is called the rail cant. The purpose of this slope is to counteract the centrifugal force that occurs when the train is moving around a curve.
The centrifugal force tries to push the train off the tracks and towards the outside of the curve. However, the rail cant ensures that the train stays on the tracks by providing an equal and opposite force to the centrifugal force.
The Wheels of the Train
The wheels of the train are specially designed to maintain the required amount of friction. The wheels are made with a conical shape, with the diameter of the wheel being larger at the center and smaller at the edges. This shape ensures that the wheels maintain a constant speed, resulting in consistent friction between the wheels and the rails.
In addition, the wheels are designed with a flange. The flange is a raised section on the inside of the wheel that keeps the train on the tracks when going around curves. However, contrary to popular belief, the flange is not responsible for keeping the train on the tracks. In fact, the flange only comes into contact with the rails when the train is going around a curve at high speed. In normal circumstances, the flange doesn’t touch the rails.
The Suspension System
The suspension system of the train also plays a critical role in ensuring that the train stays on the tracks. The suspension system helps to absorb the shock and vibrations of the train as it moves along the rails. This helps to maintain the stability of the train and reduces the risk of derailment.
The suspension system is typically made up of springs and dampers. The springs absorb the shock of the train, while the dampers help to reduce the vibrations. The suspension system is designed to keep the train level and stable, even when going around curves or over uneven tracks.
In Conclusion
So, what keeps the railroad trains on the tracks? In summary, it’s a combination of factors, including the force of friction, the profile of the rails, the design of the wheels, and the suspension system of the train. All these factors work together to ensure that trains can operate safely and efficiently.
It’s clear that a lot of engineering and design goes into keeping trains on the tracks, and it’s always fascinating to learn about the details that make it all possible.