Experimental study on the effect of solid lubricants on wheel rail contact wear and surface hardness evolution

Purpose The CL60 steel wheels of subway vehicles operating on specific lines require frequent refurbishment due to rapid wear and tear. Considering this issue, MoS 2 -based and graphite-based solid lubricants are used to reduce the wear rate of subway wheels and extend their service life. Design/methodology/approach Under laboratory conditions, the effect of MoS 2 -based and graphite-based solid lubricants on the friction and wear performance of subway wheels and rails was evaluated using a modified GPM-60 wear testing machine. Findings Under laboratory conditions, MoS 2 -based solid lubricants have the best effect in reducing wheel/rail wear, compared to the control group without lubrication, at 2 × 105 revolutions, the total wheel-rail wear decreased by 95.07%. However, when three types of solid lubricants are used separately, the hardness evolution of the wheel-rail contact surface exhibits different characteristics. Practical implications The research results provide important support for improving the lifespan of wheel and rail, extending the service cycle of wheel and rail, reducing the operating costs of subway systems, improving the safety of subway systems and providing wear reduction maintenance for other high wear mechanical components. Originality/value The experiment was conducted through the design and modification of a GPM-60 testing machine for wear testing. The experiment simulated the wheel-rail contact situation under actual subway operation and evaluated the effects of three different solid lubricants, MoS 2 -based and graphite-based, on the wear performance and surface hardening evolution of subway wheel-rail.