2009 Volume 50 Issue 3 Pages 173-178
An eddy-current rail brake system is effective in stabilizing the braking ability of trains because its braking force does not depend on adhesion between the wheel and the rail. However, the use of the existing type equipped with DC electromagnets causes the rail temperature to increase, bringing the possibility of rail bending. Because of this, it is impractical for use in Japan. Accordingly, we applied an AC electromagnet (the same as those used in linear induction motors) to the rail brake system to reduce rail temperature rise, and investigated its basic characteristics using a rotary-type test machine.
