FRICTION MATERIALS FOR RAILWAY BRAKING

The Ferodo composition brake block is compared to cast iron brake blocks. The braking characteristics are shown for the average of 20 stops using emergency brake applications of a train travelling 50 mph. The deceleration time for the Ferodo brake was greater than the cast iron brake, but the stopping distance was less. A composition brake block is less abrasive to the wheel than a cast iron block, and the product of wear less harmful. Although the Ferodo block still wears more rapidly than the wheel, its life has been found to be equal to as many as five cast iron blocks in some instances. Flange profiles are shown comparing the two types of brake blocks as to flange wear.