Operation of imported rail on the East Siberian Railroad

Japanese R65 rail is metallographically analyzed after operation in the East Siberian Railroad. Its chemical composition complies with Technical Specifications TU 0921-239-01124323–2007 for the steel used in the production of 350LDT rail. The macrostructure of the metal is of satisfactory quality. The tensile mechanical properties, hardness, and impact strength at +20°C determined on samples from the nonoperational chamfer of the rail head are consistent with Technical Specifications TU 0921-239-01124323–2007 for the steel used in the production of 350LDT rail. The impact strength at negative temperatures does meet the corresponding requirements. The content of nonmetallic inclusions is low. However, exogenous inclusions are present at unacceptable levels. The microstructure of the Japanese rail sample consists of sorbite and plate pearlite, whose dispersity declines on moving away from the surface. In operation of the rail, thin inclined cracks (depth 1.1 mm) form at the surface of the working chamfer in the rail head; in addition, lateral wear is considerable (up to 15 mm).