OCR said:
tiny-tim said:note #33 in that link does not confirm this
The rolling resistance of a rail wheel is directly proportional to its diameter. This means that as the diameter of the wheel increases, so does the rolling resistance. This is due to the increased contact area between the wheel and the rail, which results in more friction and resistance to motion.
Yes, there is an optimal diameter for rail wheels that can minimize rolling resistance. This is typically achieved by balancing the weight and size of the wheel with the weight of the load it is carrying. A larger diameter wheel may have more contact area, but it also has more mass which can increase rolling resistance.
The material of the wheel can have a significant impact on rolling resistance. Harder materials, such as steel, have a lower coefficient of rolling resistance compared to softer materials like rubber. This is because harder materials have a smoother surface and create less friction with the rail.
Yes, the speed of the train does affect rolling resistance. As the speed increases, so does the rolling resistance. This is because at higher speeds, the wheels have to overcome more air resistance, which adds to the overall resistance of the train.
The weight of the train has a significant impact on rolling resistance. Heavier trains have more mass, which requires more force to overcome inertia and move forward. This results in higher rolling resistance compared to lighter trains. Additionally, heavier trains may also experience more wear and tear on the wheels and tracks, which can increase rolling resistance over time.