(A) Study on the Mechanical Properties Improvement of Thermite Welded Zone of Railroad Rail

철도레일 테르밋 용접부의 기계적 특성 향상 방안에 관한 연구

It is reported that about more than 45% of damage shown in railroad rails include breakage of rail end which cross the center of Thermit welded zone. Thermite welding is always accompanied by numerous aluminum oxide and secondary inclusions, which may have a negative influence on the ductility and toughness of the weld metal. In this study the aluminum powder recycled by waste aluminum can was used for iron oxide generated after the process of welding rod and the remain aluminum was reduced by minimizing the quantity of aluminum. And complete dissolution was induced by using ferro Mn powder as the additive element. This study reviewed the applicability of heat treatment in the welded zone of rail using ceramic heating pad by carrying it out. This study could observe the improvement of the mechanical characteristics (UTS and elongation) and the changes of failure mechanism from brittleness to ductility. It could be found that improved strength and elongation result from pearilte fine structure.