Train-based rapid ultrasonic scanning of track for rail defect detection using EMAT
Overview
Rail failures due to transverse defects initiated from surface, sub-surface and internal cracks in the rail sections are significant problems for the Australian and international rail industry. The rails are prone to the formation of surface and internal defects in high demand railway operation with increasing axle load and traffic density. The railway operators currently rely on vehicle mounted ultrasonic testing equipment to provide quantitative information on defect location, position and sizing which are used as critical data input for maintenance planning and risk control.
The most successful technique is ultrasonic wheel probe which is rolled along the rail at speeds up to 40kph; this technique is effective for rail internal defect but has limited capability to quantify running surface defects. Centre for Industrial Ultrasonics at Warwick have expertise in non-contact ultrasonic technology and have made some preliminary demonstrations of a system that could be attached to a regular train and be deployed at speed, capable for surface crack depth quantification, which is potentially more reliable than other rail surface crack detection techniques.
Monash team IRT’s significant rail materials expertise and previous experience in assessing the benefits and shortcomings of non-destructive testing technologies in the rail context along with real-time condition monitoring and big data big data analytics is critical for this project. Both Monash and Warwick can bring unique and essential know-how and research skills to this project that will lead to the development of a game changing railway inspection methodology.
Aims/objectives:
The previous feasibility study undertaken by CIU established the foundation for this project. Ultimately, the aim of the next stage is to take the proven, lab-based EMAT technologies and integrate them into a testing rig suitable for deployment on rail at high speed, combining the Rayleigh-like surface wave and the shear wave inspection techniques into the same package, which has not been done previously.
This funding will enable Professors Ravitharen and Dixon to establish the road map, build the design concept and develop research plan and engage with railway industry stakeholders including Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), Sydney Trains and MTM - to highlight the benefits of the technology and discuss potential inspection methodologies to complement current condition monitoring capabilities. As part of this opportunity some initial laboratory trials will be done at Monash IRT’s high-bay workshop to test the design concept
Principle applicants
 Faculty of Engineering - Monash University |  Faculty of Science - University of Warwick |
|---|
Co-applicants
John Cookson - Monash University
Rachel Edwards - University of Warwick