Account manager Infrastructure and light rail
+31 30 3005 100eric.mohringer@dekra.com
DEKRA Rail: your specialist in material research
For the durability and safety of movable technical systems
At DEKRA, we understand the importance of ensuring the integrity and safety of movable systems. With years of experience and expertise, we offer comprehensive material research services that are crucial for optimizing the performance, durability, and safety of movable systems and components. Our material research laboratory is equipped to deliver precise and reliable results that help your organization make informed decisions.
The importance of material research in the (railway) industry
Material research is an essential part of managing and maintaining movable systems. The materials used in various applications, such as rails, switches, or systems in rolling stock, are subjected to heavy loads and diverse environmental factors daily. Material damage occurs regularly, such as broken components, cracks in machine parts, or fatigue cracks. To choose optimal materials initially and ensure these components reliably fulfill their function, it is necessary to thoroughly test and analyze their properties and behavior in combination with the application.
At DEKRA, we focus on conducting detailed material research to ensure quality, safety, and longevity. Our services aim to identify and prevent potential problems early, resulting in less unplanned downtime, lower maintenance costs, and higher operational efficiency.
Our material research services
At the core of Material Science are the details of the materials, such as chemical composition and structure, which we investigate using chemical/physical instruments and microscopy. These aspects result in mechanical and electrical properties of the materials, which DEKRA also tests. This includes hardness, tensile strength, elongation, impact strength, fatigue resistance, and electrical resistance. We have knowledge of and equipment for many different materials, including metals, plastics, and rubbers.
The mechanical behavior of components is crucial in the industry, where components are subject to continuous or varying loads, wear, and aging. In our material science laboratory, we conduct extensive mechanical tests, such as tensile, compression, and fatigue tests, to evaluate the strength and durability of components. We test the combination of material and design under realistic conditions to ensure that the component meets the requirements for long lifespan and reliability, often following standards or specifications.
Our team conducts comprehensive failure analyses to identify the causes of component failures, such as fractures, fatigue, or excessive wear. Failures can be caused by incorrect materials, improper design, or unexpected forces, or a combination of these factors. Understanding the cause of failure is essential for making improvements and determining whether damage is a one-time occurrence due to an incidental deviation or a structural problem.
Corrosion is a common issue that can significantly affect the safety and reliability of systems. Our corrosion experts perform detailed corrosion studies to determine how applied coatings react to environmental factors such as moisture, salt, and temperature. We also investigate the resistance of coatings to cleaning agents and their cleanability.
It is essential in a construction that the various elements are connected correctly, whether through welding, bolted connections, or adhesives. Our welding experts conduct research on new welding methods and perform welding procedure qualifications and welder certifications. This includes metallurgical research and strength testing of welds. We also test adhesive joints and bolted connections, such as resistance to loosening (Junker test).
Non-destructive testing plays a crucial role in inspecting systems without causing damage to the component. Our advanced NDT techniques, such as ultrasonic, magnetic, eddy current, and penetrant testing, allow us to detect internal defects and deviations in components. This is used for new components as part of quality control and for existing systems to detect developing internal damage. This enables early identification of problems, enhancing operational safety and availability.
Applications of material research
Material research is indispensable for ensuring the safety and reliability of various systems and components. Some examples of applications include:
- Railway superstructure: We conduct material research on rail materials and rail welds. We also perform tests on rail infrastructure components, such as rail fastening systems and aluminothermic welds, as well as ballast and sleepers.
- Other infrastructure: We investigate and test not only rail infrastructure but also bridges and locks, including coatings and corrosion of bridges, as well as the moving mechanisms of locks and large rubber parts from the Oosterschelde barrier to assess their current quality and remaining lifespan.
- Rolling stock: For trains, trams, and metros, we conduct extensive research to ensure the durability and reliability of essential components, such as wheels, axles, and bodies.
Material research is often combined with the knowledge and skills of other departments within DEKRA, such as electrical engineering, mechanics, or tribology. For example, we investigate electrical switches with corroding contact points or degrading insulation. When bearings fail, Material Science investigates the steel quality of the components. With all these expertise areas under one roof, collaboration is excellent.
Contact us
At DEKRA, we are committed to making your systems safer, more efficient, and more durable. Contact us today to discover how our material research services can support your organization.
eric.mohringer@dekra.com
bas.vanmelis@dekra.com