Abstract

Presented paper characterized key factors influencing fatigue strength, including geometry, surface condition and chemical composition, as well as other parameters affecting the performance of railway fastening clips. Additionally, other technologies for improving the fatigue resistance are presented. The aim of the experimental part of the study was to evaluate the cause of the premature failure of a fastening clip during a scheduled fatigue test performed in accordance with the DBS 918 127 standard. A series of tests were conducted, including chemical composition analysis, microstructure examination, hardness testing, and fractographic analysis. Based on this research, it was concluded that the root cause of the premature failure was a particle embedded into the surface of the spring during the bending process.

Keywords:Rail fastening system; Tension clip; Fatigue strength; Cyclic load; Clip fatigue life