Rail/Weld Fractures Detection by Continuous Monitoring Strain and Temperature using FBG System

Rail fractures have been a major cause of derailments in IR with crucial repercussions. With present system conventional periodic inspection system and Ultrasonic Flaw Detection, there is no efficient or automated system in place for Rail Fracture detection or prediction of abnormal behaviour of LWR under particular temperature or even effects of various abnormalities from Rail/ wheel interactions like Flat Tyre etc. A smart conditionmonitoring system like Proposed FBG System, would allow real-time andcontinuous monitoring of the structural andoperational conditions as well as monitoringof the structural health of rail tracks and the location. Major objectives of proposed system is to record continuously strain and temperature signatures using optical sensing and transmitting from track to the different control points. Study trail of proposed system conducted in W.R. has been discussed in detail. In addition, the system design caters to flashing of precise location of Rail Fracture instantly to the person concern and control centre. Also continuous recording of strain signature and its data analysis after filtration and calibration can be utilised to indicate the threshold of strain with respect to temperature variations. Prediction of abnormal track stress behaviour can also result in precise location of accumulation of stress level due to temperature considering hysteresis and actual behaviour of Long Welded Rails (LWR).