Forum Technical Discussions Expert voices doubt on the Safety of ICE Train Wheel Axles Posted by: Rolf Diederichs    (PID_1), E-mail: Address, on August 07, 2008 at 23:02 : In Germany happened in July at Cologne's railway station an incidence which released a strong debate on Deutsche Bahn's safety management. A defective axle caused one of the high-speed trains to derail. Prosecutors suspect that the train travelled with a defect wheel or axle along the high-speed line between Frankfurt and Cologne, with speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). A fracture and derailment just minutes before Cologne under high speed could cause a disaster like in Eschede (killing 101 people). An expert believes that a crack already existed and the incident could be prevented by better inspections. I summarized a critical assessment in the article "Expert voices doubt on the Safety of ICE Train Wheel Axles" http://www.ndt.net/search/docs.php3?id=6808&content=1 I would like to hear opinions about this debate, especially what about "Ultrasonics is now expected to save the day"? The wheel-set axle is a complex geometry which is difficult to test with ultrasonic testing. Is the system which is used at Deutsche Bahn enough reliable? In NDT.net Database we can find articles which describe wheel-sets hollow axle testing, also from Deutsche Bahn, but what system is in operation? What about set-up errors or operator errors? Human error is a part of the reliability of detection. If the axle tends to fatigue crack is ultrasonic testing the right solution to allow the risk in operation? Does this case indicate proper risk management or is the risk too high in order to save money? Expert voices doubt on the Safety of ICE Train Wheel Axles Follow Ups: Railway axle inspection Hermann Wuestenberg 12:34 Aug-12-2008 (0) Post a Followup: Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: ----------- Start Original Message ----------- : In Germany happened in July at Cologne's railway station an incidence which released a strong debate on Deutsche Bahn's safety management. A defective axle caused one of the high-speed trains to derail. Prosecutors suspect that the train travelled with a defect wheel or axle along the high-speed line between Frankfurt and Cologne, with speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). A fracture and derailment just minutes before Cologne under high speed could cause a disaster like in Eschede (killing 101 people). An expert believes that a crack already existed and the incident could be prevented by better inspections. I summarized a critical assessment in the article "Expert voices doubt on the Safety of ICE Train Wheel Axles" : http://www.ndt.net/search/docs.php3?id=6808&content=1 : I would like to hear opinions about this debate, especially what about "Ultrasonics is now expected to save the day"? : The wheel-set axle is a complex geometry which is difficult to test with ultrasonic testing. Is the system which is used at Deutsche Bahn enough reliable? In NDT.net Database we can find articles which describe wheel-sets hollow axle testing, also from Deutsche Bahn, but what system is in operation? What about set-up errors or operator errors? Human error is a part of the reliability of detection. If the axle tends to fatigue crack is ultrasonic testing the right solution to allow the risk in operation? Does this case indicate proper risk management or is the risk too high in order to save money? ------------ End Original Message ------------ Optional Link URL: Example: "http://www....html". Alternative write "http://www.ndt.net/wshop/attach/filename.htm" if you transfered a filename.htm via FTP Page Title: is important! Optional Image URL: http://www....gif Attention! Please click the button only once. This may take a moment to process Forum Technical Discussions Help