Anon-destructive testing technique that uses a high-energy laser to introduce ultrasonic signals into rail and air-coupled transducers to monitor various sound wave modes propagating through the rail is being developed by Tecnogamma SPA and evaluated by the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. This technology is unique in that it can apply mechanical energy to the rail at any location accessible to the laser beam. Conventional dynamic rail inspection systems are currently limited to applying ultrasonic energy into the rail from the top surface of the railhead between the gauge and field sides of the rail. This limitation is due to special trackwork (e.g., frogs and switches) inhibiting continuous inspection from the side of the railhead. It is expected that laser-based inspection technology will increase flaw detection reliability by providing a more-complete inspection of the rail, therefore reducing rail-flaw related accidents.
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