Technical Challenge 

A train derails with an ensuring fire and evacuation of neighborhood.  What was the root cause of the derailment?

Approach

Veryst worked with a team of investigators to analyze broken pieces recovered from the derailment, including rail car components and rail fragments.  Veryst performed dynamic multi-body simulations based on the location of railcars, simulated deformation patterns using finite element analysis and fracture mechanics, evaluated metal composition, and performed failure analysis of the rail using scanning electron microscopy.

Solution

Veryst’s analysis indicated that the derailment occurred due to a rail defect developing from a Vertical Split Head (VSH), a type of fatigue crack initiating in the rail head.

Vertical Split Head (VSH) found in rail head

Deformation analysis of bearing surface with associated forces on bolts