Stress dependence of guided waves in rails

This paper presents numerical results on the dynamic behavior of continuously welded rails (CWR) subjected to a static axial stress. The results quantify the sensitivity of guided waves to stress variations and could be potentially used to estimate the stress level in CWR or alternatively the rail Neutral Temperature (stress free rail temperature). This work represents the initial concept phase of a research and development study funded by the Federal Railroad Administration. The ultimate objective of this study is to develop and test a prototype system that uses non-contact dynamic sensing to measure in-situ rail stress in motion, to determine rail Neutral Temperatures (NT) and the related Incipient Buckling Risks in CWR.