Research into the Optimization of the Axles of Rolling Stock on French National Railways.

The research work described is intended, among other things, to study how far in particular it would be possible to reduce the unsprung weight represented by the axle, a parameter whose influence increases with the speed of the vehicles. Various investigations, which are explained in detail as well as their results, were conducted in the following specific areas: more specific approach of the conditions with which the gear connections wedged on the axles must comply; possibilities provided by certain special steels; improvements to be expected from superficial mechanical treatments; and influence of different types of anti-corrosion methods.