| | Highly sophisticated railcars are capable of detecting practically all types of rail defects at a speed of 40 km/h.These vehicles, such as the Matix VUR 505, can all handle 15,000 to 20,000 of track kilometers a year.The inspection carriage is slung beneath the recording car body, and consists of two identical frames, one for each rail string, which are rigidly attached by a cross-beam.Each frame runs on rollers and comprises a feeler wheel which is maintained in permanent contact with the internal vertical face of the rail head by means of pneumatic jacks.The probe shoes mounted on the inspection carriage are made of Plexiglas and contain the sensing elements, the acoustic damper and the relevant connectors.A thin film of water is injected between the probes and the running surface of the rail to maximize transmission of the ultrasonic waves and their echoes. |
