Some results of the mass examination of locomotive brakeblock
The article presents the results of a study of several deliveries of M type locomotive brakeblocks, GOST 30249-97, held in the Locomotive Depot of Krasnoyarsk Railway Station. The brakeblocks have previously been controlled by Quality Control Department and railway acceptance inspection in order to identify the quality and justify further research in the sphere of improving tribological pairs «wheel - block». Based on the analysis provided by the brakeblock manufacturers, some disadvantages have been found out that characterize the low level of quality control by Quality Control Department of the plant. Studies also have shown that residual defects on the brakeblock surface together with the surface of excessive ware boundary in hardness were in the amount of about 24%. Furthermore, 55-60% of the total exhaust brakeblocks contain large internal defects. 100% of the total exhaust brakeblocks do not meet standards for surface condition. Studies have confirmed the necessity to work towards the improvement of production technology, the search for new materials and structures for inner brakeblock structure, which provide material savings without disturbing the braking process of locomotives, and reduce material consumption for binding bands.