----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Coate <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2002 6:20 PM
Subject: Re: Rail rolling resistance
>
> Steve Gaarder wrote:
> > > Steel on steel is the ultimate in low rolling resistance,
> > Does anyone know what the resistance actually is?
>
>
> For a typical 20-inch train wheel, "the coefficient of rolling friction
> ranges from 0.0005 to 0.001".
>
Hi All;
Interesting ! Never figgured or have heard of how it's done. Being on
the RR guess ya figgured I could chime in on this one. A 20 inch RR wheel is
pretty small, would be a streetcar wheel, Passenger cars run 36" and lokies
generally about 40". Don't think the size makes much differance although in
my opinion a bigger wheel rolls easier? I know it is darn little, having
worked on cars and engines in the shop, and been in the track pit
underneith. You shine a flashlite at the wheel on the rail and can see for
yurself what a tiny contact area it has. Looks like it is bearly touching
the rail, although it may be supporting 10-15 tons! Of course this doesn't
help the traction or braking dept, but it was cool to push cars around by
your back, on leval track. Or why a 125 ton loco can pull many times more
than it weighs.
Seetya.....on the train
Bob
> -- from "Bicycling Science", by Whitt & Wilson, page 108.
>
> _________
> Jim Coate
> 1992 Chevy S10
> 1970's Elec-Trak
> http://www.eeevee.com
>
