ABSTRACT

In this article, the reason because appears localised wear in the straight switch rail in a turnout is exposed.  This phenomenon has been studied by means of the development of an original dynamic model whose theoretical base is presented in the article. This model allows to analyze the influence of certain parameters (speed, minimum thickness of the switch rail in order to support the wheels, turnout radii) in the phenomenon, providing very useful information to improve the design of the deflecting device. 
 
Finally, the two existing systems are described (called FAKOP and CATFERSAN), that improve the movement of  the rail  vehicles when crossing the deflecting device.