The analysis and prevention of failure in railway axles

Axles are one of the most important components in railway vehicle with regard to safety, since a failsafe design is not available. To maintain the safety record of high speed railway systems, the fatigue strength of the axles has been extensively studied. The objective of the present paper is to review and analyse the causes of failure in railway axles, and to show how the results have been applied to improve axle manufacture and in-service inspection. The problems of fretting fatigue crack initiation at press-fitted axle parts is emphasized, however, these problems have not been completely solved even though up-to-date fatigue design methods are employed. The safety of the railway has been ensured by maintenance such as the regular inspection for fatigue cracks at critical parts.