The purpose of steel rails is to efficiently navigate curves in railway tracks. They possess various characteristics that enable them to achieve this goal.
To begin with, steel rails have a specific shape called the "rail head." This shape is slightly curved, allowing the train wheels to smoothly roll along the track when encountering a curve. The curvature of the rail head ensures that the train remains stable and does not derail while going around bends.
Furthermore, steel rails are designed with a high degree of flexibility. They are capable of absorbing the lateral forces that arise when a train traverses a curve. The rails' flexibility permits them to bend slightly under the weight of the passing train, reducing stress on the rail and guaranteeing a safe and comfortable journey.
In addition, steel rails are often installed using a technique known as "canting" or "super elevation." This technique involves tilting the rails slightly towards the center of the curve. By doing so, the train is compelled towards the middle of the track, countering the centrifugal force that pushes the train outward during a curve. This technique enhances the stability and safety of the train when navigating curves.
In some instances, the rails may also incorporate additional features like flanges or guardrails. These elements assist in guiding the train wheels along the track and preventing them from slipping off the rails, particularly during sharp curves.
Overall, steel rails are engineered to effectively handle curves in railway tracks by providing a smooth, flexible, and stable surface for the train wheels to roll upon. Through their distinctive shape, flexibility, and supplementary features, they ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains when encountering curves.
Steel rails are specifically designed to handle curves in railway tracks. They have several features that enable them to navigate curves smoothly and efficiently.
Firstly, steel rails have a specific profile known as the "rail head." The rail head is slightly curved, which allows the train wheels to roll smoothly along the track while going through a curve. This curvature of the rail head ensures that the train maintains stability and does not derail when going around bends.
Moreover, steel rails are designed with a high level of flexibility. They can absorb the lateral forces that occur when a train goes around a curve. The flexibility of the rails allows them to bend slightly under the weight of the passing train, reducing the stress on the rail and ensuring a safe and comfortable ride.
Additionally, steel rails are often installed with a technique called "canting" or "super elevation." This involves tilting the rails slightly towards the center of the curve. By doing so, the train is forced towards the center of the track, counteracting the centrifugal force that pushes the train outward during a curve. This technique improves the stability and safety of the train while going through curves.
In some cases, the rails may also be equipped with additional features such as flanges or guardrails. These elements help guide the train wheels along the track and prevent them from slipping off the rails, especially during sharp curves.
Overall, steel rails are designed to handle curves in railway tracks by providing a smooth, flexible, and stable surface for the train wheels to roll on. Through their unique profile, flexibility, and additional features, they ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains around curves.
Steel rails handle curves in railway tracks by utilizing a combination of design features and engineering principles. The curvature of the track is carefully calculated to ensure that the train can smoothly navigate the curve without derailing. Additionally, the steel rails are manufactured to have a specific profile known as the rail gauge, which helps maintain stability and alignment during the curve. The outer rail, also known as the "superelevation rail," is slightly higher than the inner rail, allowing the train to lean into the curve and counteract the centrifugal force. This design ensures that the train can safely negotiate curves while maintaining stability and preventing derailments.
