Experimental study on the development mechanism of short pitch corrugation using a downscale V-Track test rig

This paper presents an experimental study on the development mechanism of short pitch corrugation using an innovative downscale V-Track test rig. Rail corrugation is reproduced in the V-Track with two wavelengths of 6.4 mm and 8.9 mm. Based on the measured wheel-rail contact forces, track dynamic behaviors, and observations, the consistent development mechanisms of short pitch corrugation are identified. It is found the longitudinal mode at 574 Hz and the induced longitudinal dynamic force are dominant for corrugation formation at the major wavelength of 6.4 mm. This paper provides the first experimental evidence indicating that rail longitudinal vibration mode and its induced longitudinal force contribute to the consistent development of short pitch corrugation.