FAILURES OF LOCOMOTIVE AXLES
caused by overheated traction-motor support bearings are discussed in this article. These failures are of interest because the analysis shows an example of what can be done when the fracture face and origin are destroyed during the failure incident. In most failure analyses of broken components, it is generally assumed that conclusive results cannot be obtained if the fracture and the fracture origin cannot be identified and examined. In many failures this is true. However, the failures described in this article possess some unique characteristics that permit successful analysis despite the lack of a preserved fracture face and origin.
The articles and presentations that can be down-loaded from this web site are based upon work done by GFV while employed at Bethlehem Steel (1967-1983), Carpenter Technology (1983-1996), Buehler Ltd. (1996-2009) and Struers (2009-Present) and from the authors consulting work for companies such as, Latrobe Steel, Scot Forge, etc., and from his litigation work. GFV's bylined articles appearing in various issues of the ASM Handbook series have been listed here courtesy of ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio.