The relationship between coal crushing and track condition on a heavy haul railway line

摘要

In conclusion, the following statements can be made in accordance with the aims and objectives set out earlier: 1. Based on the research conducted, it was proved that a definite degree of coal crushing occurs inside wagons during transportation. The degree of coal crushing was determined as 0.5% - 3.8%, depending on the applied acceleration. The duration of the applied acceleration forces, as well as the magnitude of these forces, has an effect on the amount of coal crushing which occurs inside the wagons. 2. A nonlinear relationship exists between coal crushing and track condition. Results from laboratory experiments show that there is a decrease in the amount of coal crushing at intermediate levels of particle acceleration compared to lower levels of particle acceleration. This is followed by a sharp increase in particle breakdown beyond this point. 3. The fine material in a coal sample will achieve the largest degree of particle breakdown at high to mid-range frequencies. The intermediately-sized particles will also experience significant crushing effects, but these effects are not as severe as for the fine material. The coarse particles in a sample may or may not experience particle breakdown, depending on the shape and size of the particle, as well as on the applied acceleration level.