A method includes obtaining creep measurements and tractive/braking measurements from at least one vehicle system at different locations along a route segment while the at least one vehicle system moves through the route segment. The method also includes calculating tribology characteristics of the route segment at the different locations. The tribology characteristics are based on the creep measurements and the tractive/braking measurements from the at least one vehicle system. The tribology characteristics are indicative of a friction coefficient of the route segment at the different locations. The method also includes determining an effectiveness of a friction modifier applied to the route segment based on the tribology characteristics.

A method includes obtaining creep measurements and tractive/braking measurements from at least one vehicle system at different locations along a route segment while the at least one vehicle system moves through the route segment. The method also includes calculating tribology characteristics of the route segment at the different locations. The tribology characteristics are based on the creep measurements and the tractive/braking measurements from the at least one vehicle system. The tribology characteristics are indicative of a friction coefficient of the route segment at the different locations. The method also includes determining an effectiveness of a friction modifier applied to the route segment based on the tribology characteristics.

A friction apparatus is provided. The friction apparatus includes: a first member having a first surface; and a second member having a second surface that contacts the first surface, and moving while in contact with the first member, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is hardened.

A friction apparatus is provided. The friction apparatus includes: a first member having a first surface; and a second member having a second surface that contacts the first surface, and moving while in contact with the first member, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is hardened.

The invention provides a surface cleaning system for cleaning said surface from contaminants, said system comprising a laser device for generating a high intensity laser beam, projection optics for projecting said beam as at least one laser spot on the contaminants, and a control device for determining a longitudinal displacement speed of said surface cleaning system and said surface with respect to one another, and adapted for controlling said laser device and said projecting optics to result in a pattern of laser spots, the laser spots having a spot size, said pattern comprising said laser spots having a spacing of up to the spot size.

The invention provides a surface cleaning system for cleaning said surface from contaminants, said system comprising a laser device for generating a high intensity laser beam, projection optics for projecting said beam as at least one laser spot on the contaminants, and a control device for determining a longitudinal displacement speed of said surface cleaning system and said surface with respect to one another, and adapted for controlling said laser device and said projecting optics to result in a pattern of laser spots, the laser spots having a spot size, said pattern comprising said laser spots having a spacing of up to the spot size.

A composition for increasing adhesion between two surfaces that are in traction, sliding or rolling-sliding contact with each other is provided. The composition comprises one or more than one first component, where each of the one or more than one first component has a Mohs hardness value of equal to or greater than 7, and one or more than one organic rheology additive. The one or more than one first component and the one or more than one organic rheology additive are present in a ratio from about 90:10 to about 99.9:0.1 (wt/wt). The composition does not comprise water. A method of increase adhesion between two steel surfaces in sliding-rolling contact is also described. The method involves applying the composition to the rail surface at a rate sufficient to increase the adhesion between the two steel surfaces.

A composition for increasing adhesion between two surfaces that are in traction, sliding or rolling-sliding contact with each other is provided. The composition comprises one or more than one first component, where each of the one or more than one first component has a Mohs hardness value of equal to or greater than 7, and one or more than one organic rheology additive. The one or more than one first component and the one or more than one organic rheology additive are present in a ratio from about 90:10 to about 99.9:0.1 (wt/wt). The composition does not comprise water. A method of increase adhesion between two steel surfaces in sliding-rolling contact is also described. The method involves applying the composition to the rail surface at a rate sufficient to increase the adhesion between the two steel surfaces.

A system and method for controlling a vehicle system determine one or more of a route parameter of a route on which the vehicle system is moving or a vehicle parameter of the vehicle system. The system and method also determine whether a ratio of a lateral force exerted by one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route to a vertical force exerted by the one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route increases to a value exceeding a designated threshold as a result of the one or more route parameter of vehicle parameter that is determined. The ratio of the lateral force to the vertical force exerted by the one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route is reduced to a value less than the designated threshold by changing an operation of the vehicle system.

A system and method for controlling a vehicle system determine one or more of a route parameter of a route on which the vehicle system is moving or a vehicle parameter of the vehicle system. The system and method also determine whether a ratio of a lateral force exerted by one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route to a vertical force exerted by the one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route increases to a value exceeding a designated threshold as a result of the one or more route parameter of vehicle parameter that is determined. The ratio of the lateral force to the vertical force exerted by the one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route is reduced to a value less than the designated threshold by changing an operation of the vehicle system.