ÖBB-Steinberger-2280.jpg/jcr:content.jpg?t=1732022094769&height=99999&width=1140 "© ÖBB Steinberger")
Railways simply explained
20. 11. 2024
It looks like a massive barbell in a gym, but its structure is far more complex, and its function is indispensable in rail transport: we're talking about the wheelset. It is a true marvel of engineering and the backbone of the railway.
A wheelset consists of two wheels rigidly connected to each other and mounted on an axle. This design ensures that both wheels always turn in sync. It may sound simple, but the technology behind it is highly sophisticated and crucial for the safety and efficiency of rail freight. Wheelsets are usually hidden behind covers and guards, so they are only fully visible in workshops. There, they are maintained, repaired, and reinstalled in trains.
Wheelset plays a crucial role in rail transport. Unlike trucks, trains cannot steer each axle independently. When a train goes through a curve, both wheels rotate at the same speed, which could potentially be an issue since the outer wheel travels a longer distance than the inner one. This is where the wheelset comes into play: railway wheels are tapered, meaning their diameter varies slightly along the axle. This shape enables the wheelset to "self-adjust" to the correct position, optimising the train's movement through curves.
This also means that wheelsets are constantly exposed to extreme loads – depending on the external factors, the signs of wear can vary enormously. Factors such as the weight and load of the train, the speed, the condition of the track and the curve radii are all important. Frequent passage through tight curves generates higher lateral forces, which increase wear on wheel and rail. The maintenance and lubrication of the wheelset bearings and the quality of the materials also play an important role as well as the rail surface and weather conditions.
For this reason, wheelsets must be regularly checked in the workshop. In order to avoid failures and ensure maximum safety, they are inspected and serviced by ÖBB-Technische Services staff using special testing methods such as ultrasound. In addition, the wheelsets are continuously monitored by ÖBB-Infrastruktur's train running checkpoints. This allows heavy loads to be transported efficiently, reliably and safely, at high speeds and over long distances.
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