Repairing of broken laminated springs of freight wagons by welding

Abstract

The task of this paper is to explore the possibility of repairing broken laminated springs of freight wagons by welding. Previous studies have shown that fractures of laminated springs are very common, especially for freight wagons used in extreme operating conditions. One of the most economical ways to solve this problem is reparation by welding of the fractured leafs. In that case the question about the behaviors and characteristics of repaired laminated springs rises. The approach in this paper is based comparative experimental testing of repaired laminated springs and new laminated springs. The main aim is to determine the influence of welded leafs on the behaviors and characteristics of repaired laminated springs. The applied methodology is based on static and dynamic tests. The obtained results have shown that welding of leafs does not significantly affect behavior and characteristics of repaired laminated springs. During the fatigue tests, the fracture in the heat affected zone of welded connection is not registered. As expected, the results also have shown that life-cycle of repaired laminated springs is slightly lower with regard to the new laminated springs. The final conclusion is that welding can be possible solution for reparation of broken laminated springs.