Development of experimental equipment for running resistance of model wheel in simulated snow on rail

This study developed a device to measure forces acting on rails and conducted model experiments to measure the force exerted when a wheel compresses simulated snow as it passes over a single point on the rail. Simulated snow (“walnut powder”) was placed between the wheel and rail, and the rolling resistance force acting on the wheel and the force compressing the simulated snow were measured as the snow depth was varied. The results showed that as the snow depth increased, the rolling resistance increased, while the maximum force exerted by stamping the simulated snow decreased.