Laser-Induced Fluorescence Sensing of Rail Flange Lubrication: Hi-Rail Testing on Revenue Service Tracks

A revenue-service track evaluation of a novel, non-contact, laser-based fluorescence sensing system for assessing flange lubrication conditions is presented. The results include the system’s application onboard a hi-rail vehicle capable of operating at high speeds in field conditions. A custom-built structure enables easy installation and adjustment of the system during tests at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h). Flange lubrication conditions across curved sections and grease applicator zones are measured, and the results are displayed in an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) for assessment of the flange lubricity measured at track speeds. Beyond detailing the test results, the paper provides an in-depth look at the GUI’s development in Python (Version 3.12.4), a high-level, general-purpose programming language. The results indicate that the system can consistently detect and distinguish track lubrication conditions. They further highlight the system’s ease of use onboard vehicles commonly used for maintenance-of-the-way condition assessment, such as hi-rail trucks or geometry cars. The GUI’s implementation provides a platform for easy-to-interpret evaluation of measurements on revenue-service tracks.