Developing a rail specific portable tribometer isn't just about measuring friction, it's about simulating the wheel-rail contact as closely as possible whilst maintaining repeatability of measurements.

Our tribometers use a small steel measurement wheel that is loaded against the rail and rolled along its surface. To produce representative measurements, the measurement wheel has to behave like a real train wheel. That means carefully considering the steel grade, hardness and dive into the rabbit hole that is surface roughness. We also need to understand how those properties change throughout the wheel's life through wear and oxidation.

Another challenge is that one of the main applications for our tribometers is inspecting and optimising friction management systems that use oil, grease or solid lubricants. The measurement wheel therefore needs to be cleaned quickly and effectively between tests, without altering its surface properties.

We're currently working on a project with South Yorkshire Innovation ProgrammeSouth Yorkshire Innovation Programme and Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffieldto optimise every aspect of the measurement wheel, from material selection and manufacturing through to polishing and surface conditioning.

One of the best parts of developing hardware in Sheffield is being able to draw on generations of engineering expertise. Recently we had the opportunity to visit Ernest Wright, who have been handcrafting world-renowned scissors in Sheffield since 1902.

Their team shared their decades of experience in steel finishing and polishing to aid our manufacturing process. It was also a fantastic opportunity to see traditional Sheffield craftsmanship still thriving today. A huge thank you to Neil and everyone at Ernest Wright for the warm welcome and insights into surface conditioning.