The main objective of the project was to conceptually design a friction stir welding
machine for joining rails. The applicability of friction stir welding types and its
application in rail joining was investigated. A number of machine concepts for joining
rail using friction stir welding techniques were developed and a final workable concept
was laid out. In addition, the existing methods and machines for joining rails were
considered, including arc welding, exothermic welding, flash butt welding and manual
joining (rails joined by means of splice plate). After comparing different methods of
joining rails, an optimized method was selected. The capabilities of the new
conceptual machine, such as its ability to accommodate various rail profiles, were
demonstrated through designs and various calculations. The development cost
analysis was performed and a comparison was made with the other three methods of
joining rails. Consequently, it was concluded that friction stir welding concept could be
applied in rail joining and the costs associated with it could be lowered
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/7714 |
| Date | 17 March 2010 |
| Creators | Masithulela, Fulufhelo |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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