Reference-free load-modulated longitudinal rail stress measurement using ultrasonic LCR waves
US12411111B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2623
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of in situ measurement of an acoustoelastic constant (L) of a railway rail, using an ultrasonic wedge sensor to measure a stress-free (unloaded) time-of-flight (t0) in the vertical direction of the rail. Next, a vertical load of known load value is applied to the rail. While the vertical load is applied, the ultrasonic wedge sensor is used to measure a stressed time-of-flight value. The difference between the stress-free and the stressed time-of-flight is calculated to obtain a time-of-flight difference value (Δt). Based on the load value, the stress-free time-of-flight value, and the time-of-flight difference value, the acoustoelastic constant, L, may be calculated. The wedge sensor may be further used to measure the (stressed) horizontal time of flight, and a time-of-flight difference value in the horizontal direction may be used to measure longitudinal stress.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.