Researchers Explore New Method for Detecting Defects and Thermal Stress in Rails

Posted: Jun 11, 2025

Researchers at the University of Utah are exploring local resonances, a form of ultrasonic vibration, to detect defects and thermal stress in railroad rails. Local resonances appear as distinct, sharp peaks in the frequency amplitude spectrum, whose resonant frequencies can serve as indicators of structural integrity condition. The method offers substantial benefits for local rail steel inspection because of its potential to isolate local rail behavior from the influences of rail fastener, tie connection, and foundation effects when collecting data away from the supports. The work has garnered the additional support from the Federal Railroad Administration and the Association of American Railroads.

Xuan Zhu, Ph.D.
University of Utah

Local Resonances in Rail Structures
MPC-24-571